This study is conducted using a device called Holter, whose main function is to capture heart rhythm information continuously for an entire day. Being portable, it allows you to monitor heart function without interfering with your daily activities.
This study is usually recommended as a complement to an EKG when you have manifested symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or palpitations, or as a tool to know if you are responding adequately to treatment.
Recommendations prior to the study:
In some cases, derived from the need to clean and connect sensors (electrodes) to the skin, it may be necessary to shave a specific area of the chest.
You must wear the Holter device for at least 12 hours, and in some cases for 24 continuous hours, so it is necessary that you write down all the activities you do during that day. It is also important that you record any discomfort, pain, or strange sensation that you have when performing any of your activities.
Normally, the Holter monitor does not suffer from alterations in its record when it is near other electronic devices, however, it may be preferable to maintain a 10 to 15 centimeters distance from smartphones, microwave ovens, etc.
This device should be used all the time, even when you go to sleep. The only exception is when you need to bathe or get in the water. In this case, you will have to disconnect the electrodes and reactivate their operation once your skin is dry.
Your ABC doctor will explain how the device works and guide you on its use.
Remember that the use of the Holter monitor does not carry health risks if used properly and does not cause pain or discomfort except for possible irritation when the sensors (electrodes) are removed.
At the Cardiovascular Center we offer you a wide range of prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up services to take care of you through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary care model. Come to us, we want to hear your heart.
Related centers and departments
Fuentes:
- fundación española del corazón
- msdmanuals.com
- clinicamayo.org
- medigraphic.org
- WHO. [Internet]. 2016. Cardiovascular Diseases. [Recuperado 04 febrero 2021]. Disponible en: https://www.who.int/cardiovascular_diseases/en/
- Arana-Rueda E, Cabrera-Bueno F, Romero-Rodríguez N, Muñoz-García A, Gutiérrez-Carretero E, Jiménez-Navarro M. Innovación tecnológica aplicada a la monitorización de las arritmias. Diferentes dispositivos para distintas situaciones. Cardiocore. 2015;50(3):91-2.
- Gómez Pulido F, Roy K, Ernst S. Monitorización del ritmo cardíaco. Del Holter al «smartphone». Cardiocore. 2015;50(3):93-7.
