Introduction
A Holter monitor is a mobile and lightweight electrocardiogram or ECG. It aids in the recording of the electrical changes going on in the heart on a day-to-day basis, for an entire week, an entire month, or several years, as per the adjustment of the healthcare provider. Resting ECG or resting electrocardiogram is another common name for a Holter monitor. As of today, in the field of cardiovascular sciences, a Holter monitor is considered to be one of the most advanced and fastest diagnostic tools in order to measure and evaluate cardiovascular functions as well as other anomalies of the heart and related blood vessels.
How Does a Holter Monitor Work?
The way a Holter monitor works is quite simple and easy, both for the healthcare provider as well as the patient. Mentioned below is the way a Holter monitor proves to be a strong diagnostic tool for the detection of several cardiac-related disorders.
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There are electrodes attached to a machine with small-sized glued stickers that help in the attachment of the electrodes onto the skin of the chest along with the abdomen.
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Electrodes are tiny plastic stickers stuck onto the skin at specific points of the chest as well as the abdomen.
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These electrodes are attached to an electrocardiography machine that helps in the recording and assessment of all the functions of the heart.
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All the recorded activities get printed out, and during all of this, no amount of electric current is sent within the body.
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In addition to this, there is no negative influence on the normal flow of blood from within and out of the heart.
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Thus, the heart’s function is as normal as it could get without any alterations.
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Along with the functioning of the heart, the exact timing of an impulse generation, the intensity with which the impulse is generated, any form of irregular or disturbance of heart rhythms, and the presence of any sort of underlying cardiovascular disease can be additionally detected through the set up of a Holter monitor.
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Arrhythmias refer to any abnormality in the regular rhythm of the cardiac muscles.
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An event recorder is added along with the working Holter monitor in case the abnormalities of the heart are long-standing.
When Is a Holter Monitor Suggested?
Each and every cardiovascular patient is not supposed to go ahead with the treatment modality of a Holter monitor. The health care professional and team are the best people to decide the candidate who is suitable for treatment or diagnostic modality via a Holter monitor. It should be noted that an electrocardiogram (ECG) is a must before going ahead with a Holter monitor. The reason for this, any data or cardiovascular event that is not well understood in the electrocardiography requires a Holter monitor henceforth. An electrocardiogram is a special and unique kind of obtainment of the electrical activity of the heart that is suggested in routine cardiovascular consultations. Generally, it is a scheduled procedure, but at the time, if required, an emergency electrocardiogram may also be done. The tip of the electrocardiogram sends waves that reflect after bouncing on the organ's surface. Mentioned below are a few of the scenarios and conditions wherein a patient may be suggested to go ahead with a Holter monitor.
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Irregular heart rhythm.
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Frequent episodes of loss of consciousness.
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Palpitations.
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Heart failure.
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Cardiac aneurysm.
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Valvular heart failure.
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Rheumatic heart disease.
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Evaluation of heart valves.
What Are the Risks of a Holter Monitor?
There are no specific types of risks involved in wearing a device as tiny and light as a Holter monitor. Nevertheless, there are some patients who have complained of a slight amount of discomfort, such as skin irritations, headache, and lightheadedness, while beginning to use Holter monitors, which generally subside over time.
What Are the Precautions to Be Taken With a Holter Monitor?
There are a few necessary precautions that must be taken into consideration by a patient who is wearing a Holter monitor. Mentioned below is a list of the precautions with a Holter monitor.
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Cell phones and other cellular devices should be kept at a distance of a minimum of six inches from the Holter monitor.
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Radios and other musical devices that use electricity should be avoided.
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Electric blankets must not be used.
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Electric toothbrushes must be replaced with standard hand toothbrushes.
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Magnets and magnetic fields should be kept away.
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The use of microwave ovens should be drastically reduced.
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Metal detectors must not be placed near the patient for long.
In addition to the above, all the patients who are undergoing therapy and treatment via the Holter monitor are advised to keep their prescription, and all the necessary details of the Holter monitor handy while traveling.
How to Prepare for Receiving a Holter Monitor?
Receiving a Holter monitor is a scheduled procedure. The patient is advised to shower before the appointment for a Holter monitor because the monitors, once attached, cannot be removed and thus requires a dry surface throughout. The monitors placed on the chest detect the heartbeat of the patient. Patients may additionally be asked to shave the chest hair in case present so that the electrode patches attach strongly to the surface of the chest. Once the Holter monitor is placed, the patient receives a set of instructions that they must follow, which include the way the Holter monitor must be handled henceforth. The patient receives a green signal after a few days from their respective healthcare provider for the continuation of day-to-day activities.
Conclusion
A Holter monitor is a cardiovascular device that helps the healthcare provider to keep track of the heart activities such as the rhythm of the heart, the heartbeat, and several other cardiac functions, for a long period of time, in addition to the detection of any future occurrence of a cardiac arrest or the presence of an underlying cardiovascular disease. The results of the reading of the Holter monitor are generally discussed at regular intervals with the patient. If there are repeated episodes of arrhythmia of the heart, an event recorder is placed instead of a Holter monitor. Living with a Holter monitor does not pose any particular difficulty, and the patient generally has a positive outlook on life.
