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Holter Procedure specialist in Dhakuria

Holter Procedure

Holter Procedure in Dhakuria

A Holter monitor is a type of small, wearable, and Transportable Electrocardiogram (ECG).

It records the electrical activity of the heart over 24 hours or longer while you do your normal activities. If an ECG or EKG does not give enough information regarding the state of the heart, a Holter monitor test might be performed. The device contains electrodes, wires, and a small machine that attaches to your waistband. You might still need to wear a Holter monitor after getting an ECG done. ECGs only monitor your heartbeat for a short time, which is frequently insufficient to identify potential problems.

FAQ's

A healthcare professional may recommend a Holter monitor if you have:

  • Irregular arrhythmia (abnormalities in cardiac rhythm), and ECG may not be able to detect them. Holter monitors can detect irregular heart rhythms that an ECG misses.
  • Palpitations in the heart.
  • Unusual lightheadedness.

  A Holter Monitor can also be used by a doctor to assess :

  • How well oxygen is reaching the heart.
  • How the heart-related drugs are working.
  • The working of a pacemaker.
  • The risks of future heart problems.

You just need to take a shower, that's about all the preparation required. You are not allowed to remove or get wet with your Holter monitor once it has been installed. To ensure that the electrodes adhere to your skin, you might need to remove the hair on your chest.

During the Holter procedure, you can expect the following:

  • You need to shower before you visit the clinic. A Holter monitor is then installed by a healthcare professional.
  • After installation, the device must be kept dry.
  • Electrodes, or sensors, are then implanted in your chest. These electrodes detect your heartbeat. To make sure that the electrodes stick, you might want to shave off some of the hair on your chest.
  • The Holter monitor recording device is connected to wires that are attached to the electrodes.
  • After the installation of your Holter monitor, you can go back from the hospital and follow your normal routine. 
  • You need to wear a Holter monitor for at least two to three days. This will help the device capture your heartbeat during a normal routine.
  • You need to avoid taking a bath or doing any water-related activity. Water can cause a hindrance in the working of the device. 

After the Holter procedure, you will return the device to the healthcare practitioner after your monitoring time has ended. The healthcare professional can review the data from the monitor in conjunction with your notes if you were requested to document any symptoms you experienced while wearing the device. This can aid in the precise diagnosis that the doctor makes.

While wearing a Holter monitor, you are advised to avoid:

  • Taking a bath or a swim.
  • Obtaining an X-ray.
  • Some gadgets can interfere with the working of a Holter monitor. These devices could cut off the signal that travels from the electrodes to the Holter monitor. 

Yes, patients are generally advised to wear the device continuously, including during sleep. This recording helps capture heart activity across different daily activities, including periods of rest.

No, wearing a Holter monitor is not painful. Some individuals have mild skin discomfort from the sticky spots, or electrodes, that are used to track heartbeats.

There are no risks or complications associated with Holter monitoring. This is an easy method to check the function of the heart.

However, maintaining the electrode's adhesion to your skin can be challenging. You might need to use more tape. Removing the sticky electrodes and tape could cause discomfort. Extended use of the electrodes may result in blisters or skin discomfort.

The factors that can hinder the working of a Holter monitor include:

  • Being close to electrical appliances, metal detectors, high-voltage electrical wires, and magnets. Microwave ovens, toothbrushes, and shavers are examples of appliances.
  • Signal interference can also be caused by cell phones. A minimum of 6 inches should separate them from the monitor box.
  • Sweating excessively could lead to a loosening of the leads.

You must get in touch with your healthcare providers whenever electrodes come loose or fall off. He will advise you on how to fix it or notify you if a replacement is necessary.

Unusual outcomes could include palpitations, abnormal heartbeats, or other cardiac conditions. Understanding how to interpret these findings is essential for identifying and treating underlying cardiovascular problems.