HEALTH & DISEASE
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    Holter monitor

    Holter monitor
    Figure A shows how a Holter or event monitor attaches to a patient. In this example, the monitor is clipped to the patient's belt and electrodes are attached to his chest. Figure B shows an electrocardiogram strip, which maps the data from the Holter or event monitor
    A device that continuously records the heart's rhythms while being worn, usually for 24 hours, during normal activity. A Holter monitor, also called an ambulatory electrocardiograph, is battery operated and carried in a pocket or a small pouch worn around the neck or waist. It is connected to electrodes (small conducting patches) that are stuck onto the patient's chest.

    A Holter monitor records your heart's electrical activity. The patient keeps a diary of what activities she does while wearing the monitor. After 24 hours, the monitor is returned to the physician who matches the monitor's findings with the patient's symptoms and activities to determine if there have been any irregular heart rhythms.


    Why the test is performed

    Holter monitoring is used to determine how the heart responds to normal activity. The monitor may also be used:
    • When starting a new heart medicine
    • After a heart attack
    • To diagnose heart rhythm problems
    It may be used to diagnose:
    • Atrial fibrillation/flutter
    • Multifocal atrial tachycardia
    • Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
    • Palpitations
    • Reasons for fainting

    What abnormal results mean

    Abnormal results may include various arrhythmias. Changes in the normal pattern of waves formed by the heart's electrical signals may mean that the heart is not getting enough oxygen.


    Special considerations

    Electrodes must be firmly attached to the chest so the machine gets an accurate recording of the heart's activity.

    The patient should avoid magnets, metal detectors, electric blankets, and high-voltage areas while wearing the device.


    Related category

       • HEALTH AND DISEASE


    Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine



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