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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.
Holter Monitor Test for the Heart
Introduction
The Holter monitor test is a continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) recording that typically lasts 24 to 48 hours, although longer periods are sometimes used. It helps diagnose irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that may not be detected during a standard ECG.
How Does It Work?
A small, portable device with electrodes is attached to your chest. These electrodes detect electrical activity in the heart, which is then recorded.
Why Is It Done?
Doctors order Holter monitoring to: - Detect arrhythmias - Investigate unexplained fainting, dizziness, or palpitations - Assess the effectiveness of heart medications or treatments - Monitor the heart after a heart attack or procedure
What to Expect During the Test
- The device is worn continuously, even during sleep.
- You will be asked to keep a diary of symptoms and activities.
- The test is painless, though some skin irritation from electrodes may occur.
Interpreting the Results
Your doctor will analyze the recorded data to look for abnormal rhythms, correlating them with your symptoms. Based on findings, they may recommend further tests or treatments.
Conclusion
The Holter monitor test is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying heart rhythm disorders in daily life and guiding appropriate treatment.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association 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 Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
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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.