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Holter Procedure in Kolkata

Holter Procedure

Holter Procedure in Kolkata

Diagnosing and treating heart disease promptly is of paramount importance. Various diagnostic tests are available for accurately detecting heart conditions, ensuring timely and appropriate treatment. The Holter Procedure is a diagnostic test for recording and monitoring the heart’s rhythm and activity over an extended period, typically 24-48 hours or even longer. During the Holter procedure, the patient is made to wear a portable device called the Holter monitor. It is a small, wearable, battery-operated, ambulatory electrocardiography device that continuously keeps track of heart rhythms and records all heartbeats as the individual goes about their daily activities.

At Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, we have a cutting-edge diagnostic facility and a team of skilled heart specialists proficient in diagnosing various heart conditions using the latest diagnostic tests, like the Holter procedure. ECGs and other diagnostic tests may occasionally fail to detect irregular heart rhythms or palpitations. In such cases, this non-invasive Holter test in Kolkata gives a comprehensive overview of the heart rhythms during your regular daily activities, aiding in the detection of various cardiac diseases and assessing the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic medications or treatments. 
 

 

FAQ's

A Holter monitor might be suggested by the physician if you have:

  • Unexplained fainting 
  • Heart rhythm-related symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or tiredness
  • Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
  • Inconclusive results in ECG
  • Pauses in your heart rhythm 
  • In some circumstances, the chance of having future cardiac events

As this device has to be worn for an extended period, it provides better information regarding the heart’s activity and can easily spot any unusual activity during this time.
 

A Holter monitor can help you detect the causes of the following conditions or diseases:

  • Arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, tachycardia and premature ventricular contractions
  • Working of pacemaker
  • Effectiveness of heart medications
  • Heart palpitations
  • Ischemic heart diseases, such as silent ischemia
  • Cardiac symptoms
  • Syncope or fainting episodes
     
  • There's typically no need for any special preparation before wearing a Holter monitor unless your healthcare provider instructs otherwise.  
  • Ask all the questions you have regarding the device.
  • If there is chest hair, you may be required to shave it off to ensure proper electrode adhesion.
  • There are generally no food or dietary restrictions before the procedure. Make sure you eat properly before coming for the procedure.
  • Visit at the scheduled time, as it is an outpatient procedure.
     
  • Holter monitors are generally placed for 24-48 hours.
  • You will be asked to sit comfortably and change into a gown for the placement.
  • After placing the gel on the chest area, the technician will attach small, round, sticky patches called electrodes.
  • Extra adhesive or tape may be used to hold them in place.
  • The technician will connect the electrodes to a recording device and will provide instructions regarding handling and caring for the monitor.
  • The monitor can be carried in a pocket, or bag, or worn on a strap, similar to a purse, on your waist.
  • Once the monitoring begins, you cannot remove the Holter monitor until a technician, typically after the monitoring period ends, assists you in doing so.
  • You can continue with most of your usual activities while wearing the monitor.
  • The technician will explain how to maintain an activity and symptom diary. 
  • You will have to record symptoms such as shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, or chest pain, along with details of when they occurred and your activities at that time. 
  • This information will help the provider correlate changes in your EKG with your symptoms and activities.
     
  • After the monitoring period is over, you need to visit the technician for the removal of the device and electrodes.
  • The data from your dairy and the device records will be compared and sent ahead for the preparation of reports. 
  • You will receive reports after 3 hours, or maybe the next day. 
  • Based on your reports, the doctor may suggest further cardiac tests, medications, or appropriate treatment. 
     

Some electrical appliances or conditions may interrupt the signal from the electrodes to the Holter monitor. So, take care of certain things while wearing a Holter monitor:

  • Avoid using electrical blankets, electric razors and toothbrushes
  • Being near to magnets, metal detectors, and high-voltage electrical wires
  • Stay away from electrical appliances, such as microwave ovens
  • Keep cell phones and portable music players away at least 6 inches
  • Keep the monitor from getting wet
  • Can't undergo an X-ray
     

A Holter monitor offers no risk or pain but sometimes can cause itchiness, skin irritation, or slight discomfort when the electrode and tape are removed. It may cause certain risks, depending on your specific health condition and allergies. 
 

It's important to follow all the specific instructions provided by our healthcare provider. Taking a bath or shower while wearing the device is not allowed. Even you cannot wet the device, as it will interfere with the results and can cause some complications too. In some cases, waterproof or water-resistant Holter monitors may be used, thus allowing you to maintain your hygiene routine without removing the device.
 

If the Holter monitor becomes loose or detached from the electrodes, notify your healthcare provider immediately. They will guide you on how to properly reattach the device, or you may need to schedule additional monitoring time if necessary.
 

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