An Overview Holter Monitoring from a Phoenix Cardiologist

A Holter monitor is an electrocardiogram done over an extended period of time, usually 24 to 72 hours. This device only utilizes three electrodes that are attached to a small portable recording unit. When you have a Holter monitoring test (also called an ambulatory monitoring test), you go about your usual daily activities, and the unit records your heart’s rhythm at different intervals.

Recording times depend on the type of Holter monitor your doctor orders. Holter monitoring is necessary when the Phoenix cardiologist suspects an arrhythmia but cannot find it on other EKG methods. There are two types of Holter monitoring tests:  continuous recording, and loop recording.

Continuous Recording

With this Holter test, the EKG rhythm is recorded continually during the entire testing time. This type of testing is done when there are many symptoms or when the patient has several irregular rhythm patterns. With continuous recording, electrodes are placed on the chest with wires that attach to the recording unit.

Loop Recording

Also called an event monitor or 24-hour Holter, the loop recording monitor only records a rhythm when you initiate it, such as when you have symptoms or feel your heart beat fast. A loop recorder saves small amounts of information concerning the rhythm of your heart when you press the record button. This feature also is used when you feel symptoms coming on, such as dizziness or fainting. Should you lose consciousness, the monitor will continue to record.

Just as with the continuous recorder, the electrodes will be attached to your chest with the loop recorder. A small device records your heart rhythm, either worn on the wrist like a watch or carried in our pocket or purse. An implantable loop recorder is often used for people who have symptoms that do not occur that often, such as once every three or four months. With this type of unit, the monitor starts recording when it detects an irregular rhythm.

Indications for Holter Monitoring

• Irregular heartbeats that occur during certain activities
• Irregular heartbeats that occur intermittently
• Poor blood flow to the heart muscle
• Cardiac symptoms, such as dizziness, chest pain, and fainting
• Monitor treatment or therapy

Preparation and Considerations for Holter Monitoring

There are a few things to consider before you have a Holter monitor test. First of all, you want to take a bath or shower before the electrodes are attached to your chest. Once they are on, you cannot get them wet. Regarding metal, you should wear a loose fitting shirt or blouse that does not have any metal buttons or buckles. Also, avoid wearing jewelry and underwire bra. Also, for men, the technician will shave your chest.

While you have on the Holter monitoring device, stay away from metal detectors, magnets, garage door openers, electric blankets, microwave ovens, and high-voltage areas. Also, you cannot use an electronic shaver or electric toothbrush. Signals from electronics such as these can interfere with recording.

Researchers Recommend Novel Heart Monitoring Device called the Zio Patch

An innovative electrocardiogram device was found to help emergency room patients avoid unnecessary follow-up visits and testing. According to electrophysiologist Higgins and colleagues (2012), a single-use ambulatory cardiac monitor that resembles a 2 by 5 inch Bandaid can monitor the patient’s heart rhythm for up to two weeks. This recording unit sticks to the patient’s chest and records the electrical rhythm. The researchers conducted a study that proved this unit (called the Zio Patch) useful for follow-up care after emergency room visits for chest pain and other cardiac symptoms.

The Zio Patch was used on more than 280 patients who experienced fainting, dizziness, and palpitations. The investigators concluded that almost 60 percent of the patients did not have arrhythmias; therefore, they did not need further evaluation. Also, they remarked that the device could save the healthcare system millions.  While the Zio Patch is a useful tool for emergency room physicians, it is not meant to replace Holter monitoring.

AZ Heart Doctor is a premier cardiologist Phoenix AZ and the East Valley trust. Most insurance is accepted, and the Double Board Certified cardiologist, Dr. Yasir Batres, offers comprehensive noninterventional care. Call (480) 300-4646 today!