About-Cardio
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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 Holter Monitoring: A Guide for Patients
Introduction
A 24-hour Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that continuously records your heart’s electrical activity for 24 hours (or longer if needed). It is used to detect irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that may not appear during a standard electrocardiogram (ECG).
Why is a Holter Monitor Used?
Doctors recommend Holter monitoring if you experience:
- Palpitations (a rapid or irregular heartbeat)
- Dizziness or fainting (syncope)
- Chest pain that is not explained by other tests
- Shortness of breath
- Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) suspected but not confirmed during a regular ECG
How Does It Work?
- The device consists of several electrodes (sticky patches) placed on your chest, connected to a small recording device.
- It continuously tracks your heart’s electrical activity while you go about your daily activities.
- You may need to keep a diary to record symptoms and activities, which helps doctors correlate any heart rhythm abnormalities with your daily routine.
Preparation for the Test
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Avoid using lotions or oils on your skin before attaching the electrodes.
- Follow your doctor’s specific instructions, such as continuing or stopping medications.
What Happens After the 24 Hours?
- You will return the device to the clinic.
- A cardiologist analyzes the data to check for heart rhythm abnormalities.
- Based on the results, your doctor may recommend further tests, medications, or lifestyle changes.
Are There Any Risks?
Holter monitoring is non-invasive and completely safe . However, some people may experience mild skin irritation from the electrode patches.
Conclusion
A 24-hour Holter monitor is a valuable tool for diagnosing hidden heart rhythm issues that may not show up during a short ECG. If you have symptoms like palpitations or dizziness, this test may help identify the cause and guide your treatment plan.
Relevant Clinical Guidelines
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines on 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.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/S0735-1097%2899%2900354-X
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/symptoms-diagnosis--monitoring-of-arrhythmia/cardiac-event-recorder
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines on Arrhythmias and Holter Monitoring
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/36/41/2793/2293363
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/39/21/1883/4939241
- https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Press-Office/Press-releases/extended-monitoring-detects-more-arrhythmias-in-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy
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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:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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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.