Holter Monitor is a wearable device that is worn by a person whose heart must be monitored for one or more conditions. Unlike an ECG or EKG test which measures heart-rate and rhythm for a short time-span, the Holter Monitor is worn on the body for 24 to 48 hours. The person can go about his daily activities as usual while the device keeps recording the data on a continuous basis. This offers several benefits. In this article, we will learn more.
An important aspect of diagnosing heart conditions, is the real-time measurement of heart-rate and rhythm. This is accomplished using tests like Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) done by a heart specialist or a cardiac electrophysiologist. ECG records the electrical signals in the heart, and can be used for detecting heart-attacks and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). Generally, these are found in hospitals, nursing-homes and clinics. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create an image of the heart showing the blood-flow and functioning of valves.
Both the above procedures are done at a clinic and record the heart’s activity over a short period of time, when the patient is resting on a chair or bed. Sometimes, this is not enough to diagnose the person’s condition. A more long-term picture of the heart’s activity is required. That is where continuous heart-monitoring devices come into the picture. These ambulatory monitoring devices focus on a longer time-window like 24 to 48 hours and record data when the person is not at rest (that is what is meant by ‘ambulatory’).
Holter Monitor is exactly one such device and has become extremely popular in a relatively short period of time.
A Holter Monitor is a wearable, electronic device used for monitoring a person’s heart-rate and rhythm. It is approximately the size of a deck-of-cards or a small mobile-phone. It has several electrical leads attached to it. The ends of these leads are connected to electrodes that are placed on the skin using adhesive strips, right over the heart and the abdomen. The entire monitor with leads and electrodes can be worn on the body. Else, the electrodes alone can be placed on the skin near the heart and abdomen, while the monitor and leads can be placed in a bag, belt, pouch or pocket that is worn very close to the heart.
The technicians will show the user how to reconnect the electrodes if they come off. However, the person must wear the monitor for the designated 24 to 48 hours. Electronic circuitry and a battery-pack lie inside the device while the display is what is visible to all. The device is designed for continuous use over a 24 to 48-hour time window.
The results of the test will be available within a week’s time. At Kauvery Hospital, with our branches located in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Trichy, our dedicated heart specialists will discuss the readings and assess whether they indicate any conditions such as atrial fibrillation, PVCs, tachycardia and bradycardia. Based on the diagnosis, our team will then initiate an appropriate course of treatment personalized to the patient’s needs.
A Holter Monitor is a wearable electronic device used for continuously monitoring a person’s heart rate and rhythm over 24 to 48 hours, recording data even while the person goes about their daily activities.
2. Why is a Holter Monitor needed instead of an ECG?
A Holter Monitor is needed when symptoms or heart conditions can’t be adequately captured by a short-term ECG. It provides a continuous, long-term picture of the heart’s activity, which is helpful for diagnosing intermittent heart issues.
3. What conditions can a Holter Monitor diagnose?
A Holter Monitor can diagnose arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), palpitations, and assess the efficacy of heart medications. It is also useful for detecting occasional arrhythmias that might be missed by a standard ECG.
4. How do you use a Holter Monitor?
To use a Holter Monitor, electrodes are placed on the chest and abdomen, connected to the monitor. The person carries the monitor in a pouch or belt, keeps an events diary, and avoids water and vigorous activities during the test period.
5. What should you avoid while wearing a Holter Monitor?
While wearing a Holter Monitor, avoid water activities (like showering and swimming), vigorous exercise, smoking, and exposure to high-voltage areas and magnetic fields. Minimize the use of electrical appliances and avoid getting an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound.
6. How are the results of a Holter Monitor test interpreted?
The results, available in about a week, are reviewed by a heart doctor. They will discuss whether the readings indicate conditions like atrial fibrillation, PVCs, tachycardia, or bradycardia, and suggest appropriate treatment based on the findings.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
