If you are experiencing symptoms of a heart problem, your doctor may order a Holter monitor test. This test follows your heart rate over a set period of time and is commonly used to diagnose and monitor a range of heart conditions.
What is a Holter monitor?
A Holter monitor is a small device that records your heart rate over a set period of time, usually 24 to 48 hours.
The monitor is battery powered and can be carried in your pocket or a small bag. It is connected to electrodes attached to son, or sticky patches that are placed directly on your chest.
Why Performed Holter Monitor Test?
A standard electrocardiogram, or ECG, records your heart rhythm for a few minutes. A Holter monitor test is a type of ECG that shows the rhythm of your heart for a period of time much longer.
This is useful because heart rhythm problems may not show for a standard ECG or examination by a doctor. For example, if you have heart palpitations when you lie down to sleep at night, a Holter monitor test can help your doctor know why
Your doctor may also recommend a Holter monitor test :.
- Discover the causes symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting
- Diagnosing arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat
- See how your heart works after a heart attack
- Check how your pacemaker works
- Determine whether your medication is working properly
What expect during a Holter test
monitoryour Holter monitor test begins in your doctor's office. It is best to wear loose clothing during your test, allowing the electrodes to remain in place.
A nurse or technician will clean your skin and then attach electrodes to your chest. If there is excess hair on the chest, the technician may need to shave your skin to ensure good signal is transmitted. Before you leave, you will learn what to do if an electrode comes off, what you can and can not do during the test, how to keep track of your symptoms, and how and when to return the monitor when your test is performed.
What to do during your testing
You will have a journal to track your activities and symptoms. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you must maintain your daily routine.
You'll save when you walk, climb stairs, exercise, eat or drink, or engage in other activities. You must also write symptoms you have, including:
- Chest Pain
- Palpitations
- Breathlessness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- fainting
- Nausea
- Weariness
- Any other pain
To ensure your test is working properly, keep dry electrodes. Take extra care to cover the electrodes in the bath, ensuring that they are not submerged or exposed to water. You should also stay away from metal detectors, magnets, electric blankets and high voltage areas.
Holter monitor test results
It may take a week or longer to get the results of your test. Your doctor will review the results with you, which can be
- normal , which means that you have no major changes in the rhythm of your heart
- abnormal , which means that you have a certain type of irregular heartbeat or a problem with the electrical system of your heart
If you have abnormal results, your doctor may want to order additional tests to determine the cause.
to schedule an appointment for a Holter monitor test, visit the Heart and Vascular Institute UPMC or contact us at 1-855-UPMC-HVI (876-2484).
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