Holter Monitor & 30 Day Event Monitor

Holter monitor:

What is a Holter monitor?

A Holter monitor is a portable device that measures and records your hearts activity continuously for 24 hours. The device is the size of a small camera. It has wires with silver dollar-sized electrodes that attach to your skin. The Holter monitor records your hearts activity as you go about your daily activities.

Why do people wear Holter monitors?

Regular electrocardiograms (ECGs or EKGs) let your doctor look at your hearts activity at one point in time during your ECG test. But abnormal heart rhythms and cardiac symptoms may come and go. Thats why your doctor may want to evaluate your heartbeat over time while you go about your normal activities. You may be asked to wear a Holter monitor if you have fast, slow or irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias.

Wearing the monitor may tell your doctor:

• If your medicines are working.
• Why do you have symptoms such as dizziness, faintness, or the feeling that your heart is racing or skipping a beat?
• If your heart is getting enough oxygen to meet its needs.

What are the risks of Holter monitors?

Wearing a Holter monitor has no risks and causes no pain. Holter monitors have wires that connect to small discs (electrodes) attached to your chest to record the electrocardiogram. Because the electrodes are attached with tape or adhesives, they may cause mild skin irritation. Tell the technician if you are allergic to any tapes or adhesives.

30-day event monitor:

What is a 30-day event monitoring?

A 30-day event monitor is a portable device that you wear that records your hearts electrical activity. You wear the device for 30 days. While wearing the device you proceed with your normal daily activities.

Why do people need to use a cardiac event recorder?

Tests such as electrocardiograms let your doctor look at your hearts activity at rest and at one point in time. But abnormal heart rhythms and cardiac symptoms may come and go. The main purpose of an event monitor is to record your heart rate and rhythm during a symptom (event). Your doctor may recommend an event monitor when symptoms are infrequent less than daily.

You may be asked to wear a cardiac event recorder if you have fast, slow or irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias.