A Holter monitor is an electrocardiography device worn by outpatients for one to three days to create a continuous record of heart rhythm. It is used to diagnose irregular arrhythmias and transient heart problems that are difficult to detect in hospitals. The device is named after Dr. Normal Holter and consists of a box worn on the belt and attached to electrodes on the chest. Treatment recommendations can be made based on the information analyzed by a doctor or cardiologist. An event monitor is an alternative to a Holter monitor, worn continuously but only triggered when specific cardiac events occur.
A Holter monitor is an electrocardiography device designed to be worn by an outpatient. Worn for periods of time ranging from one to three days, the Holter monitor creates a continuous record of a patient’s heart rhythm that can be used as a diagnostic tool. These devices are used in the diagnosis of patients who have irregular arrhythmias or who report transient heart problems, because these problems are usually difficult to detect with an electrocardiography session in the hospital.
Named for Dr. Normal Holter, the device consists of a box that is worn on the belt and attached to electrodes on the chest. The Holter monitor is designed to be used continuously, with some models wearable in the shower, and is relatively comfortable to wear, although some people find the electrodes and wires restrictive. Holter monitors are completely painless. While wearing a Holter monitor, a patient may be asked to keep an activity log which can be compared to the reading from the device.
Once the patient has put on the Holter monitor, the information can be analyzed by a doctor or cardiologist to learn more about the patient’s condition. Treatment recommendations can be made, or a doctor can wait and see an approach to see if heart arrhythmias become more severe or more frequent. The record also goes into the patient file so it can be referenced in the future.
Typically, the patient is given a short orientation session with the Holter monitor, where a doctor or nurse shows the patient how the monitor is used. The patient is provided with spare electrodes to use in case the monitor needs to be removed, and is reminded that if a serious cardiac event occurs, the patient should go to the hospital for treatment. Patients are also encouraged to exercise as they normally would and to maintain their normal hours so that the monitor gives an accurate picture of the patient’s health.
As an alternative to a Holter monitor, an event monitor can be provided to a patient. Event monitors are worn continuously like Holter monitors, but only begin recording when specifically triggered. These monitors can be worn for much longer periods of time and are used for patients complaining of specific cardiac events that are easy to recognize, giving the patient time to activate the monitor to record their heart rhythm.
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