Holter Monitor Test in Downey, CA

Holter monitors are portable electrocardiograms (ECGs). The device continuously records the electrical activity of the heart for up to 24 hours while you are away from the doctor’s office. Using a standard or “resting” ECG, you can evaluate your heart’s health quickly and easily.

Certain points on the chest and abdomen are covered with electrodes (small, plastic patches). An ECG machine is connected to the electrodes by wires. After that, you can measure, record, and print the heart’s electrical activity. The body does not receive any electricity.

A natural electrical impulse coordinates the contractions of different parts of the heart. Keeping blood flowing properly is important. ECGs record these impulses to show how fast the heart is beating, the rhythm of the heartbeat (steady or irregular), as well as the strength and timing of the electrical impulses. Many heart-related conditions can be detected by changes in an ECG.

If you suffer from symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, low blood pressure, fatigue (tiredness), and palpitations and you have a resting ECG that doesn’t show a clear cause, your healthcare provider may request a Holter monitor ECG. Electrodes are worn on your chest, and a portable recording device is connected to the electrodes by wires.

The occurrence of certain arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) is not common. Stress or activity may trigger them, or they may occur only under certain conditions. This type of arrhythmia is difficult to record on an ECG in the office.

In order to get a better chance of capturing any abnormal heart beats or rhythms causing the symptoms, the healthcare provider may request a Holter monitor. When you notice symptoms, you can activate the event monitor feature on some Holter monitors.

During the test, you will be given instructions on how to keep a diary of your activities and symptoms, and personal care instructions, such as keeping the device dry.

One to two days are typically required for wearing a Holter monitor. Heartbeats are recorded by the device during that period.

The Holter monitoring process is painless and noninvasive. There is no need to reveal the sensors (electrodes) or wires under clothing. The device is worn on a belt or strapped to the body. Holter monitors must be worn during the entire recording period, even while sleeping.

It is possible for a Holter monitor to be damaged by water. During the entire time you are wearing a Holter monitor, avoid swimming, showering, or bathing. Showering or bathing is possible with a wireless Holter monitor because the sensors and the monitor can be disconnected and connected.

Unless your provider tells you otherwise, you can do most daily activities while wearing a Holter monitor. It may be necessary for you to fill out a form to record your activities and symptoms.

During a scheduled appointment, a Holter monitor is placed at a care provider’s office. Plan to bathe before this appointment unless your health care provider tells you otherwise. It is not possible to remove most monitors once monitoring has begun, and they must be kept dry during this time.

You will have sensors (electrodes) placed on your chest by a care provider. It is possible to detect the heartbeat using these electrodes. To make sure the electrodes stick, some of your chest hair may be shaved.

The electrodes are connected to the Holter monitor recording device by wires. After your Holter monitor has been fitted and you have been given instructions on how to wear it, you can return to your regular daily routine.

Holter monitor tests are available at Cardiovascular Medical Associates. For more information, call us. We serve patients from Downey CA, Norwalk CA, Lynwood CA, Cerritos CA, Lakewood CA, Whittier CA and surrounding areas.