Ambulatory electrocardiography

• A • Feb 25 05



	Tweet

Alternative names
Holter monitor (24h); Electrocardiography - ambulatory

Definition

Holter monitoring provides a continuous recording of heart rhythm during normal activity. The monitor is usually worn for 24 hours to obtain a recording of a complete day.

How the test is performed

Electrodes (small conducting patches) are placed on your chest and attached to a small recording monitor that you can carry in a pocket or in a small pouch worn around your neck. The monitor is battery operated.

Your heart electrical activity is recorded (much like the recording of an ECG), usually for a 24-hour period while you keep a diary of your activities. The recording is then analyzed, a report of the heart’s activity is tabulated, and irregular heart activity is correlated with your activity at the time.

It is very important that you accurately record your symptoms and activities so that the doctor can correlate them with your Holter monitor findings.

How to prepare for the test

There is no special preparation for the test. The recording monitor will be started by the health care provider, and you will be given instructions on how to replace electrodes should they become loosened. Instructions will also be given on how to record activity for the diary.
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any tape or other adhesives. Shower or bathe before you start the test—you will not be able to do so while you are wearing a Holter monitor.

How the test will feel

There is no discomfort associated with the test. Hair may need to be shaved from the chest for electrode placement. You must keep the monitor close to the body, either in a pocket or in a pouch worn around the shoulder or neck.

Continue normal activities while wearing the monitor.

Why the test is performed

Holter monitoring is used to determine how the heart responds to normal activity. Other times Holter monitoring is used include the following:

When given cardiac medication
After a heart attack

To diagnose an abnormal or dangerous heart rhythm

Normal Values
Normal variations in heart rate occur with activities. No significant alterations in the rhythm or ST elevations occur.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal results may include various arrhythmias. ST segment changes (alterations in the wave form of the electrical conduction pattern of the heart) may indicate that the heart is not receiving enough oxygen and may also correlate with chest pain.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed include the following:

Atrial fibrillation/flutter
Multifocal atrial Tachycardia
Paroxysmal supraventricular Tachycardia
Palpitations
Fainting

What the risks are

There are no risks associated with the test. However, you should be sure not to let the monitor get wet.

Special considerations

Electrodes must be firmly attached to the chest to permit accurate recording of the heart’s activity.

Avoid magnets, metal detectors, electric blankets, and high-voltage areas while wearing the device.

Last revised: December 4, 2007
by Janet G. Derge, M.D.

Medical Encyclopedia

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | 0-9

All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.

Exercise in early 20s may lower risk of osteoporosis
- Full Story - - »»»

Games and Interactive Media Are Powerful Tools for Health Promotion and Childhood Obesity Prevention
- Full Story - - »»»

Primary care program helps obese teen girls manage weight, improve body image and behavior
- Full Story - - »»»

Optimism about heart risks may be a good thing
- Full Story - - »»»

Study shows fainting factor in cardiac arrests
- Full Story - - »»»

Teen pregnancy, abortion rates at record low, study says
- Full Story - - »»»

Think you can’t get pregnant? Try again, study says
- Full Story - - »»»