A Holter monitor is a small wearable device that tracks and records the rhythm of your heart. Your healthcare provider may recommend a Holter monitor test if a traditional electrocardiogram doesn’t provide enough details about your heart’s condition. You may also need a Holter Monitor Queens if you have infrequent arrhythmias since an ECG may not detect them. However, sometimes standard Holter monitoring doesn’t capture an irregular heartbeat; in such cases, healthcare providers recommend an event monitor to record heartbeats over several weeks.
How safe is a Holter monitor?
A Holter monitor involves no significant risks since the process is not invasive. However, the sensors may cause minor skin irritation or discomfort in the areas where they are placed. Usually, Holter monitors are not affected by other electrical appliances, but some devices interrupt the signals from the electrodes to the monitor. For the same reason, keep cell phones and portable music players at least six inches from the Holter monitor. Your specialist may caution against the following if you have a Holter monitor.
- Electric toothbrushes and razors
- Electric blankets
- Magnets
- Microwave ovens
- Metal detectors
What does Holter monitoring involve?
If you need a Holter monitor, you need to schedule an appointment for its placement. Plan to bathe before the appointment unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise. This is because most monitors can’t be and should remain dry once monitoring begins. Your healthcare provider places the electrodes on your chest; they are about the size of a silver dollar. If you have hair on your chest, your doctor may shave some of it, so the electrodes stick. The electrodes have wires attached to them; these wires connect to the Holter monitor recording device, which is about the size of a deck of cards. Once your provider fits the device and gives you instructions on how to wear it, you can resume everyday activities.
Usually, you need to wear a Holter monitor for about one to two days, during which the device records your heartbeats. Besides the skin irritation the electrodes may cause, the test is painless and noninvasive. You can hide the sensors and wire under clothing, so you don’t worry about people seeing the device. Do not take off the Holter monitor; you should have it throughout the recording period, even when sleeping.
Avoid contact with water since this can damage the Holter monitor. Therefore, you want to avoid showering, bathing, or swimming for the entire time you have the device. If your monitor is wireless, your provider may show you how to disconnect the sensors so you can shower or bathe.
You can engage in other activities unless stated otherwise by your provider. You may need to record your activities and symptoms in a form your doctor gives. It is especially vital to note if or when you have the following symptoms.
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Lightheadedness
- Fluttering, pounding, or skipped heartbeats
What happens after the testing period?
Once your monitoring or tracking period is over, you will return the device and a record of your symptoms to your healthcare provider’s office. Your doctor can compare the Holter monitor’s data with your notes to diagnose accurately.
For further questions about a Holter monitor, consult your New York Medical and Vascular Care Physicians provider.
