What You Need to Know When Looking for a Holter Monitor
Preparing for a Holter monitor test should not be stress inducing. However, many patients are anxious about choosing a substandard Holter monitor that will produce inaccurate diagnostic results. Selecting the best Holter monitor is a common worry amongst patients who need to undergo heart rhythm testing for this reason. In the past Holter monitor devices have been known for being expensive and temperamental, and that is without taking into account potential user error or other external factors that can interrupt test results. Luckily, state-of-the-art Holter monitoring devices have considerably simplified the process for the modern-day patient. This article will examine what qualities patients should be on the lookout for when searching for a Holter monitor.
The best Holter monitors are designed to be user-friendly
Surprisingly, ease of use is one of the most important factors that contributes to obtaining an accurate diagnosis. The more user-friendly a Holter monitor is, the more likely you will use it as intended. Be on the lookout for devices that are easy to set up and maintain. The best Holter monitors provide intuitive digital readouts and straightforward button interfaces without too many additional bells and whistles. Finding a Holter monitor that is easy to use is especially important if you are less comfortable using complex technology. In general, you’ll want to avoid any devices that unnecessarily complicate the Holter monitoring experience – the more opportunities you have to interact with your monitor, the more likely you may accidentally invalidate test data. The best Holter monitors simplify the process wherever possible.
Your Holter monitor should be built to last
In the past, many Holter monitors were fragile devices designed to be thrown out after one use. Because these devices only needed to last a few weeks at most, they weren’t built to last. Today, however, many Holter monitors are designed to be robust. You’ll want to find a monitor that was built with durability in mind. Part of accurate testing requires you to maintain your daily routine – which means your monitor will need to be able to handle your gym workouts, bike rides, and nights out on the town.
Find a Holter monitor with easy data transfer
Faster report turnaround times are never a bad thing. Devices that provide easy data transfer will allow you to receive a diagnosis from your doctor faster, which could potentially contain life-saving information and treatment. Some Holter monitors can take over a week before patients receive for their test results, and in this time a serious condition could worsen. Try to find a Holter monitor that interfaces with reporting software quickly and reliably.
Look for Holter monitors that offer additional features
Some Holter monitors also come with additional features that may be worth looking into. For example, some Holter monitor companies have begun opening a direct line of communication between you and a health care professional when you purchase their Holter monitor. This extra feature will give you the opportunity to Facetime with a nurse who can assist you with any questions or concerns you may have while undergoing Holter monitoring.
Reliability Wins Out
At the end of the day, you want a Holter monitor that works when you need it to with minimal input. A device that offers consistent performance and accurate reporting will provide you with a more precise diagnosis and significantly fewer headaches during the monitoring process.
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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