A Brief Overview: Holter Monitor Devices

If you have ever had issues with your pacemaker or been tested for a possible cardiac condition, chances are you have heard of Holter monitors. Holter monitors are used by doctors to observe your heart’s activity outside of their office over a certain period of time. These devices come in many different shapes and sizes, and some even have specialized features. But how exactly do they work?

What is a Holter Monitor and How Does it Work?

These portable battery-operated devices utilize electrocardiography (ECG) to continuously monitor the heart’s activity over an extended period of time. Depending on the type of device, these monitors typically record your heart rhythm for between 12 and 48 hours as you go about your daily routine. Holter monitors are hooked up to a patient’s body using a series of thin wires connected to electrodes that are attached to areas of their chest with an adhesive gel.

Why Would I Need a Holter Monitor?

There are a variety of different reasons why someone may need Holter monitoring. If a patient using a pacemaker complains about feeling dizzy, then a doctor may outfit you with a Holter monitor to find out if the pacemaker is working properly. If you have a heart condition that increases your risk of abnormal heart rhythm, then your doctor may suggest wearing a Holter monitor to be proactive.

The most common situation where a doctor will order a Holter monitor is when a patient is exhibiting signs of a heart problem even though no irregularities were detected during an electrocardiogram test. Since electrocardiograms are brief, heart activity recorded from Holter monitoring over a longer period of time can offer more comprehensive results. A doctor could order Holter monitoring if a patient is experiencing symptoms such as:

• Abnormally slow or fast heartbeat
• Fatigue or general weakness
• Chest pain
• Dizziness (especially while using a pacemaker)
• An uneven heartbeat
• Feeling like your heart is skipping a beat

What to Expect During Holter Monitoring

During a scheduled appointment, a doctor or technician will set up your Holter monitor for you. You should bathe before your Holter monitor is attached since it cannot be removed or get wet during monitoring. Wearing a Holter monitor does not involve any risks other than potential discomfort or skin irritation from the adhesive holding the electrodes in place. However, there are some activities and devices that can impede your monitor from obtaining accurate recordings. Some possible sources of interference you should avoid while wearing a Holter monitor include:

• Swimming or bathing
• High-voltage areas
• Strenuous activity that may cause you to sweat heavily
• Powerful magnets
• Microwaves
• Certain electronic devices such as electric blankets, toothbrushes, and razors
• Metal detectors

Physicians Ancillary Systems Holter Monitoring

Thinking about diversifying your practice and increasing revenue by investing in a Holter monitor service? Look no further than Physicians Ancillary Systems! We provide 3-channel digital Holter monitors for increased signal quality and rhythm recognition. You’ll achieve Advanced Arrhythmia Detection with our FDA-approved analysis platform and certified technicians. Our service team does all of the monitoring and scanning of data to build a full report ready for physician review.

Curious about how Holter monitoring can increase your practice’s revenue? Reach out to Physicians Ancillary Systems today to learn more!{{cta(’22a4a362-77fd-4561-885b-a850b11b6c60′,’justifycenter’)}}