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Holter Test in Bhubaneswar

Holter Procedure

Holter Test in Bhubaneswar

The Holter Procedure is a non-invasive technique that typically lasts 24 to 72 hours and records the patient's cardiac activity continuously while they go about their daily lives. Using a portable external monitor that is slung around the waist or over the shoulder to measure and record the electrical impulses in the heart on tape is known as Holter monitoring. The clock on the monitor enables precise time tracking. The patient is requested to keep a journal to document their everyday activities and any cardiac symptoms they may have while undergoing Holter Test in Bhubaneswar. When a patient pushes a button indicating symptoms have occurred, an event marker is placed on the tape. This allows for later correlation with the cardiac activity recordings and the daily event diary. A computer then analyses the tape to detect any significant or abnormal waveform patterns. 

Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, has a skilled team of cardiologists, cutting-edge diagnostic equipment, and advanced facilities, providing precise diagnosis and personalised treatment, improving patient outcomes.

FAQ's

Your healthcare physician could request a Holter or event monitor recording for several reasons.

  • To assess symptoms like exhaustion, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or fainting that can be connected to your cardiac rhythm.
  • To recognise palpitations or abnormal heartbeats

  • Some heart conditions, like thick heart walls or abnormal heart electrical pathways, may increase the chance of future heart problems.

  • To evaluate the efficacy of sophisticated aberrant cardiac rhythm treatment and the functioning of a pacemaker.

  • To track how your heart rate changes during the day and look for any moments when your heart rhythm stops.

To undergo a Holter monitor test, electrode patches are applied to your chest and wired to a tiny recording device that is covertly worn beneath your clothing. Continue with your regular activities after setup, avoiding long showers and vigorous activity to keep the equipment dry and undamaged. You need to record all of your activities as well as any symptoms you experience, such as palpitations, chest pain, or dizziness, along with the precise times. You return the gadget and logbook for analysis after the exam. The information aids in evaluating heart health by comparing symptoms with ECG recordings.

After taking out the Holter monitor and going over your notes and the data captured, the doctor will talk to you about the results. If no abnormal activity or irregular cardiac rhythms were found, or if the results were unclear, a longer-term recommendation for a wireless Holter monitor may be made. Your doctor will recommend a course of treatment to manage your symptoms based on the results. 

 

Following some tips recommended by healthcare teams can provide accurate results, such as: 

  • Put on a two-piece outfit, ideally a front-buttoning shirt.
  • Try sleeping on your back with the recorder positioned at your side to prevent the electrodes from coming loose.

  • Keep the monitor, cords, and electrodes dry.

  • The regions where the electrodes are positioned will need to be shaved if your chest is hairy.

  • Stay away from high-voltage places, including power lines, magnets, metal detectors, and electric blankets. These devices' signals could have an impact on recording.

  • For the duration of the recording, the electrodes and wires must remain attached. Replace any electrodes that come off of your skin.

 

Abnormal Holter monitor results indicate irregularities in heart function such as arrhythmias (for example, atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia), abnormal heart rates (either tachycardia or bradycardia), or deviations in the ST segment that suggest myocardial ischemia. These findings may indicate underlying conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, or autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Abnormal results guide healthcare providers in diagnosing heart issues and developing suitable treatment plans to manage symptoms and prevent future cardiac events.

When analysing Holter Monitor data, healthcare professionals consider several key factors:

  • Heart Rate: Identifying abnormal heart rates such as tachycardia (rapid heart rate) or bradycardia (slow heart rate).
  • Heart Rhythm: Detecting arrhythmias, which are irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or premature ventricular contractions.

  • ST-Segment Changes: Assessing deviations in the ST segment of the electrocardiogram (ECG) can indicate myocardial ischemia, which is reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, or coronary artery disease.

  • Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Evaluating the variation in time between consecutive heartbeats. Reduced HRV may suggest autonomic dysfunction (impaired function of the automatic nervous system) or increased risk of cardiac events.

  • Symptoms and Events: Correlating the recorded data with symptoms experienced by the patient, such as chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath, to identify potential triggers or causes of these symptoms.

A regular ECG records the heart's activity for a few seconds, while a Holter monitor records continuously over an extended period, providing a more comprehensive view of your heart's activity.

No, you should avoid getting the monitor wet. Instead, use sponge baths or other methods to stay clean while avoiding water exposure to the device.