Download HOLTER MONITORING What is Holter monitoring?

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HOLTER MONITORING
What is Holter monitoring?
Holter monitoring uses a small recording device
called a Holter monitor. The monitor tracks and
records your heart's electrical activity, usually for
24-48 hours.
Holter monitoring can help your doctor find
out if you have abnormal heart rhythms, or
arrhythmias. Arrhythmias might happen
rarely, yet it is still important for your doctor
to know about them and to treat them.
In all, there are three kinds of tests that
record your heart's electrical activity, each
for a different period of time:
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)—done in the
doctor's office. It records your heart
rhythms for a few seconds.
• Holter monitoring—records and stores (in its memory) all of your heart
rhythms for 24-48 hours.
• Event recorder—constantly tracks your heart rhythms. But it stores the
rhythms (in its memory) only when you push the button.
When the heart rhythms from any of these three tests are printed out, they all
look the same: the electrical signals look like peaks and valleys. A doctor may
suggest Holter monitoring when you have symptoms at least once every day or
two.
Your doctor may ask you to write down any symptoms you have during the test.
Symptoms might include faintness, dizziness, or fluttering in the chest. You
should note the time and how long the symptoms last. Your doctor might also ask
you to write down when you exercise, take medications, or get upset. This can
help your doctor see if there is a connection between your heart rhythms and
your symptoms or activities.
Holter Monitoring
HEARTISTRY brought to you by Boston Scientific Corporation
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What can I expect?
As many as seven sticky patches called electrodes are placed on your chest.
The electrodes connect to wires on the Holter monitor. The electrodes sense
your heart rhythms, while the monitor records and stores the rhythms. Since the
electrodes cannot get wet, you should shower or bathe before you begin the
Holter monitoring, and not at all during the testing. The Holter monitor device
itself is the size of a small portable tape recorder. It fits easily on a belt or can be
worn on a shoulder strap.
You should be able to do most or all of your daily activities at home and work
while using the Holter monitor. You won't feel anything while the Holter monitor is
tracking your heart rhythms, although the kin may become irritated from the
sticky patches. After 24-48 hours, you return the monitor. A technician examines
the recordings, notes whether you had any arrhythmias, and prepares a report
for your doctor.
Important Safety Information
Medications, procedures and tests can have some risks and possible side effects. Results may vary
from patient to patient. This information is not meant to replace advice from your doctor. Be sure to
talk to your doctor about these risks and possible side effects.
Boston Scientific is a trademark and HEARTISTRY is a service mark of Boston Scientific Corporation.
Holter Monitoring
HEARTISTRY brought to you by Boston Scientific Corporation
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