Heart monitoring can be done by holter test, it records the heart's activity for over 24 hours or 48 hours. When EKG is insufficient in detecting and diagnosing heart conditions such as irregular heartbeat or heart...
Holter test uses a small device which can be worn by the patient. It can record your heart rhythm to detect its irregularity (arrhythmias).
A holter test is typically used when the traditionally used EKG or ECG test are not capable of producing/providing enough details about the heart condition. In this test a longer term monitor called an event recorder is needed.
Some personal smartwatches and other devices can also offer electrocardiogram monitoring.
What Can a Holter Test Be Used For?
A holter test can be used to check for:
- Abnormalities in heart beat rhythm also known as arrhythmias
- Unexplained dizziness
- Palpitations in heart
It can also be used to-
- Check for your hearts oxygenation levels
- Check for medicins working and effectiveness
- Check for medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers working.
You might need to get a holter test if:
- You are showing signs and symptoms of irregular heartbeat or arrythmias
- You faint and the reason stands unknown and unexplained
- You have a heart condition that poses you a risk for developing cardiac arrhythmias.
Know About the Test Details
Before The Test
You do not usually need to do anything special for the test unless you are guided otherwise by your doctor.
During the test
You can expect certain things during the test
- Attaching the electrodes- the process starts by the technician/nurse attaching the electrodes on your chest. For attaching electrodes, you might need to shave down your chest area. The electrodes have sticky ends that are small and round. These sticky ends are stuck on your chest.
- Monitor placing- once electrodes are stuck on your chest, the technician will put a monitor and then connect the electrodes to this monitor.
- Storing monitor- the monitor is small enough to be carried with self in pocket or bag. It can also be worn like a sling bag or purse on the chest or waist.
- Do your daily activity- you can do almost all of your daily activities with the device. You can not do certain activities with wearing the device such as -
- Bathe
- Shower
- Swim
- Have chest x-ray
- Go near high voltage area
- Go near metal detector
- To keep monitoring symptoms and activity- you will be explained how to keep monitoring your activities and symptoms and to write down it all in a diary. You should write symptoms such as shortness of breath, skipped heart beat or uneven heart beats, chest pain etc. you should also write what symptoms you got at what time and what were you doing at that time. The resultant symptoms and activities will be compared with your EKG.
After The Test
- You will need to wear the device for a 24-48 hours period.
- After 48 hours return to the hospital and handover the monitor to your technician.
- The technician will then process the recorded activities in the monitor including your EKG and the notes prepared by you.
- The reports will then be sent to your doctor.
- Your test reports will then be discussed with you by your doctor
After the holter test your doctor might order you certain more tests such as
- More cardiac tests
- Heart medications
- Cardiac pacemaker
- Some procedures like cardioversioin procedures to help your heart to return to a normal steady rhythm
- A treatment using hot and cold energy to create scar tissue known as ablation therapy of abnormal rhythm.
What is the Difference Between the Holter Monitor and Ekg?
A holter monitor is typically operated by the batteries. It is a portable device that you need to carry with you for at least 24-48 hours. The holter monitor keeps monitoring your heart's electrical activity for a few days. The readings along with your notes of symptoms and activities are then combined to screen you for certain heart rhythms and other diseases. It is also a painless method that involves negligible risks.
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) also measures electrical activity of the heart for its heartbeats. ECG or EKG are typically done in a doctor's office or hospital or a diagnostic centre. The ECG gives information about how long the waves take to travel from your hearts one part to another and other things. It can help your doctor to judge if your heart is too large or overworked and any harm to the heart.
What Are the Risks Associated With Holter Tests?
There are no risks associated with the test but you can feel a little uncomfortable while the electrodes are pasted over your chest.
Although there are no risks, there are certain restrictions that you should follow which may impair the results of the test. Certain things you should avoid are-
- Electric blankets
- Metal detectors
- Microwaves
- Ovens
- Magnets
- Electric instruments such as electric razor, electric toothbrush etc.
Conclusion
Your heart is a crucial organ that keeps all other organs alive. While its blood pumping ability and quality maintains life, its inability can take it as well, hence it becomes necessary to keep yourself safe and get regular screening checkups to avoid further complications. Get one checkup to avoid 10 diseases.
Why Ganesh Diagnostic Center for You?
Ganesh Diagnostic Centre is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
We have many Xray scan centres in Delhi which can offer report Images online as well. We also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations
NABH accreditation is proof of the highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
We are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades having created Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.
The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the most reasonable and lowest price.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Patients can rely upon test reports as reports are 100% accurate.
Get connected to our doctor directly- Dr Ravin Sharma 9212125996
