Holter Monitor Instructions - Physicians Ancillary Systems

If you have never undergone a Holter monitor test before, the whole process may seem intimidating. However, wearing a Holter monitor is completely painless and will not impede you from going about your day. Here are some basic instructions for first time Holter monitor wearers.

How to Prepare:

Shower before your Holter monitor is set up

Holter monitors cannot get wet, so you will not be able to bathe during the test period

Shave your chest

Adhesive pads will be placed on your chest so any existing hair will need to be removed first

Wear loose-fitting clothing

Tight clothing can restrict your movement while wearing Holter monitors, so wear baggy clothes that will allow you to move freely

Do not wear any skin lotion or perfume

Certain skincare and perfume products can interfere with Holter monitor equipment and skew your test results

Holter Monitor Setup

The first step to setting up a Holter monitor is attaching adhesive pads to your chest. These sticky pads are used to hold the electrodes in place that monitor your heart rhythms will not come loose and fall off. Next, the electrodes will be plugged into the monitor. Once the Holter monitor is connected and turned on, it will constantly record electrical signals for 24 to 48 hours. Usually, monitors will come with a pouch to make carrying them around easier.

During the Holter Monitor Test

While wearing a Holter monitor, go about your day-to-day business so that it can accurately record your daily routine. Be sure to keep a detailed journal of your activities, any symptoms you may experience, and the time that they occur. There several things you should avoid while wearing a Holter monitor as they could disrupt your test results. Stay away from:

Any activities that could get your monitor wet such as swimming or high-intensity exercises that could cause you to sweat profusely
High-voltage electricity
Strong magnets
Certain electronics such as microwaves, electric blankets, electric toothbrushes, and electric razors

Also, try to keep cell phones and MP3 players at least 6 inches away from the Holter monitor device at all times.

Contact Your Healthcare Provider If:

The adhesive pads or electrodes come loose and fall off your chest
You have questions or concerns about the procedure or your condition
Your Holter monitor stops working
You start experiencing any of the following:

headaches
dizziness
Feeling faint
A rash forming on your skin under the adhesive pads

You should seek medical attention immediately if you:

Become pale
Have cold or sweaty skin
Feel a heavy or squeezing feeling in your chest that persists for longer than a few minutes
Feel a pain in your chest that has started to spread to your shoulders, neck, or arms
Begin to have difficulty breathing

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 to see how we stack up against the competition? Download our comparison chart to see how our Holter monitor compares with our leading competitors!

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