A Holter monitor is a portable device that many doctors prescribe patients to wear when they need to solve a medical mystery. The monitor allows doctors to measure the heart’s rate and rhythm in order to determine how a patient’s heart is functioning. It is typically worn between 24 and 48 hours while patients continue throughout their normal days. There are a number of reasons why your doctor may require you to wear a Holter monitor.
Electrocardiograms are generally performed if the patient experiences an abnormal heart rhythm. An electrocardiogram measures heart rate and rhythm but these abnormalities may not show up at the time of the the examination since the test only lasts several minutes, which is why many doctors may request that you wear a Holter monitor for an extended period of time to diagnose an arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat.
Doctors may also order you to wear a Holter monitor if you have a heart condition that may increase the likelihood of an abnormal heart rhythm. They may also request that you keep a diary of the activities you are performing throughout the day. A Holter test may provide more information that could explain dizziness or fainting and palpitations or the feeling that your heart is fluttering.
Unlike the event monitor, which only records when you experience an “event” or abnormal symptom, the Holter monitor continuously records for the entire period that you wear it. Paired with the beat-by-beat record and your diary, your doctor is able to diagnose the problems that may be causing your irregular symptoms.
ReactDx offers Holter monitors that allow doctors to provide patients with quicker diagnoses that may lead to faster treatments. Contact us today at 800-23-HEART to find out more about our Holter monitoring solutions that can help you live a healthier life.
