An ECG Holter monitor is an important cardiac test. It is a type of continuous electrocardiogram(ECG) that measures the natural electrical impulses of your heart. ECG Holter monitors can be done over varying lengths of time, including:· 24 hours.· 48 hours.· 72 hours.· 7 days.· 14 days.A 48-hour Holter monitor is a common choice for many cardiologists. They are commonly used to diagnose arrhythmias, also known as irregular heartbeats. Because arrhythmias often occur intermittently and irregular activity cannot always be detected in a short timeframe, by recording your heart’s activity over 48 hours, your heart doctor has a greater chance of recording any abnormal activity and making an accurate diagnosis. You may first have undergone a normal electrocardiogram (ECG)test or other types of cardiac tests, such as an echocardiogram. If the ECG or echo didn’t record any abnormal results or provide enough cardiac information, your cardiologist will likely recommend a prolonged ECG. A 48-hourHolter monitor will continually record your cardiac information for a 48-hourperiod.The Holter monitor will record information such as:· Your heart rate (e.g. if your heart beats too fast or too slow).· Your heart rhythm (e.g. whether your heart rhythm is regular or irregular). The strength and timing of your heart electrical
A 48-hour Holter monitor can detect a range of different arrhythmias. Different arrhythmias have different symptoms and different treatment plans. It is essential that your cardiologist can see exactly what type of arrhythmia you have to ensure your treatment is relevant and effective. The main types of arrhythmia are:· Atrial Fibrillation (AF) · Supraventricular Tachycardia · Sinus Bradycardia · Heart Blocks ( first, second and third degree)· Ventricular Fibrillation · Atrial Flutter
If you experience symptoms consistent with an arrhythmia, your doctor may recommend a 48-hour Holter monitor to try and detect the type of irregularities and the frequency and severity of your symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms, your doctor may recommend a 48-hour ECG Holter monitor.· Heart palpitations.· Dizziness or light-headedness. · Shortness of breath.· Unexplained fainting.· Feeling a fluttering in your chest as though your heart is skipping a beat.· A rapid or slow heart rate.· Chest pain or chest tightness.· An irregular pulse.· Low blood pressure.
You will not need to visit the clinic in person to have a 48-hour ECG Holter monitor test. The test will be delivered directly to your home, along with clear instructions on how to fit the monitor and what to do during the test. You will need to apply two small electrodes (small sticky patches) to your chest. These will be connected to a small, wearable machine that you carry around with you. During your 48-hour ECG Holter monitor test, you will need to wear the monitor continuously to ensure your cardiac activity is recorded consistently and an arrhythmia is not missed. You should continue all your usual daily activities while wearing the monitor. You will likely be asked to write down any symptoms you experience while wearing the monitor, as this allows the cardiologist to compare your symptoms with the recordings from the Holter monitor. Once the 48 hours is completed, a courier will be sent to your house to collect the test and deliver it to our clinic. Your results will be available within 48 hours after we receive the monitor back. If the results indicate an arrhythmia, this will be discussed with you in detail, including what this means for you and possible treatment plans.
