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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
24-Hour ECG (Holter Monitoring)
Introduction
A 24-hour ECG, also known as Holter monitoring, is a test that records your heart’s electrical activity over a full day. It helps detect abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that may not appear on a standard ECG.
Why is it Needed?
A Holter monitor is often prescribed if you experience symptoms such as: - Palpitations (irregular or fast heartbeats) - Dizziness or fainting spells - Chest discomfort - Unexplained fatigue
It helps doctors diagnose arrhythmias, monitor treatment effectiveness, and assess how your heart responds to daily activities.
How Does It Work?
- Small electrodes are attached to your chest, connected to a portable device.
- The monitor records your heart’s electrical activity continuously for 24 hours (or longer if needed).
- You should carry on with your normal daily activities but avoid excessive sweating or water exposure.
- Patients may be asked to keep a diary of symptoms.
Interpretation of Results
After 24 hours, a cardiologist analyzes the data to identify any abnormalities such as: - Atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm) - Bradycardia (slow heart rate) - Tachycardia (fast heart rate) - Extra beats (ectopic beats)
Next Steps
Depending on the results, your doctor might: - Recommend further tests (such as an echocardiogram or stress test). - Adjust medications if a rhythm disorder is detected. - Suggest lifestyle changes or, in severe cases, interventions like a pacemaker.
Conclusion
A 24-hour ECG is a valuable tool to detect hidden heart problems. If recommended by your doctor, follow the instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for Ambulatory ECG Monitoring
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.100.8.886
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/0201/p884.html
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/symptoms-diagnosis--monitoring-of-arrhythmia/cardiac-event-recorder
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000527
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/S0735-1097%2899%2900354-X
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiac Rhythm Management
- https://www.escardio.org/Sub-specialty-communities/European-Heart-Rhythm-Association-(EHRA)
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
- https://www.escardio.org/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16935995/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.