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If the arrhythmia is not present during the ECG, an ambulatory monitor is often prescribed. Many patients suffer their arrhythmias during their everyday lives, at home or work, and require a more long-term, portable type of monitoring. Unfortunately, an ECG only last 10-30 seconds and will only uncover electrical issues that are permanent or happening at that instant. It provides a snapshot of what is happening electrically in the patient’s heart at that exact moment. An ECG, or 12-lead as it is often referred, is a great first step in the identification of arrhythmias.
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Traditionally, a patient with a potential arrhythmia may be hooked up in the physician’s office or hospital to an ECG machine. Patients who have potentially life-threatening arrhythmias should be actively monitored as directed by their physician. There are several forms of heart monitoring monitoring can occur either inside or outside of the doctor’s office depending on the type of monitor used. Heart monitors are used to take a closer look at how the electrical system in your heart is working and determine if there is a problem.
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Your doctor will remove the holter monitor, discuss your results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms moving forward.If you have experienced any sort of heart attack symptoms, like chest pain or shortness of breath, if you’ve had a stroke, or if you suffer from suspected heart problems or arrhythmias which are electrical disturbances in the heart which can cause the heart to beat abnormally (such as the very common atrial fibrillation), chances are your doctor has suggested heart monitoring through electrocardiography. Record any specific symptoms you feel (dizziness, light-headedness, chest pain, shortness of breath)Īfter one or two days, you’ll return to your doctor’s office with your diary.Keep a diary of all your daily activities and the time you did them.Keep it on at all times, even during sleep.While the device is fitted, you’ll need to: You’ll be shown how to attach the device to your clothes.The electrodes are connected to the small holter machine device.The holter monitor test is a very straightforward procedure: The hair on your chest may need to be shaved to help the electrodes stick to your skin. After your holter monitor has been fitted, you can’t get it wet or remove it. There’s not a lot you need to do to prepare - but you will need to shower. Some people experience minor skin irritation from the sticky dots (electrodes) used to monitor the heartbeat. Holter monitoring is a safe and painless test with no significant risks. What are the risks of having a holter monitor? ECGs only monitor your heartbeat for a short time - which isn’t always long enough to identify potential problem. You might have symptoms such as:Įven if you’ve had an ECG, you may still need to wear a holter monitor. You may need a holter monitor if your doctor thinks there could be a problem with your heart rate or rhythm. It contains electrodes, wires and a small machine that attaches to your waistband. What happens after a holter monitor? What is a holter monitor?Ī holter monitor is a device that records your heart beats.
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