The heart monitors are portable EKG machines to be worn during an extended period of time. The doctors order the procedure if any intermittent arrhythmias were not discovered during a regular short-term ECG examination.
Holter Monitor (Continuous)
- Definition: The device, about the size of a deck of playing cards, continuously measures each heartbeat for 24-48 or even 72 hours.
- When It Is Indicated:
- Symptoms’ Frequency: If you have palpitations, dizziness, or lightheadedness frequently (e.g., once a day or more).
- Arrhythmias: For diagnosing conditions like atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, or bradycardia.
- Unexplained symptoms: If you have any problems like chest pain, fainting spells, or feeling light-headed.
- Treatment Evaluation: If you need to examine if any medications or pacemaker settings help in your situation.
- Symptoms’ Frequency: If you have palpitations, dizziness, or lightheadedness frequently (e.g., once a day or more).
Event Monitor (Intermittent/Triggered)
- Definition: Intermittent, for extended period of time (often up to 30 days) if necessary.
- When It Is Indicated:
- Less frequent symptoms: If you experience these events rarely enough – on weekly or even monthly basis.
- Recording: The user needs to activate this procedure manually via button pressing.
- “Loop”: Some event monitors will record the period of minutes before you activate the function, so you will catch the beginning of the problem.
- Post-Holter testing: If the rare symptoms did not occur during 24 hour Holter procedure.
What to Expect:
| Features | Holter Monitor | Event Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1–2 days (up to 7) | Often up to 30 days |
| Recording | Continuously (All heartbeats) | Intermittently (When triggered) |
| Usage | Every day, including sleeping | Only during symptoms occurrence |
| Skin Preparation | Shaving the chest hair may be needed | Almost similar procedure with applying electrodes |
| Daily Activities | Normal, but no taking bath | Normal, but no taking bath |
How to Prepare for Monitoring:
- You will undergo a brief and painless EKG test before getting the monitor attached to you.
- Electrodes will be placed on your chest and hooked to the machine via wires.
- Some wireless Holter or event monitors exist and are produced by Medtronic.
- Tip: Have a shower and a haircut beforehand as you won’t be able to perform these actions later.
What to Do During Monitoring:
- Keep the monitor dry: don’t take shower or bath while wearing it.
- You will be advised to keep notes about symptoms (like “10:30 a.m.- Feeling dizzy”).
- Never put a cell phone near the recorder closer than 6 inches.
What to Do After Completion of Testing:
- Take off the monitor and return it to the office.
- The results will be analyzed and could include thousands of heartbeats recorded.
Risks Involved:
- No risks associated with these two tests.
- Skin irritation by adhesives is possible in some cases.