What Are Holter and Event Monitors?
Holter and event monitors are medical devices that
record the heart's electrical activity. Doctors most often use these monitors
to diagnose
arrhythmias
(ah-RITH-me-ahs). These are problems with the speed or rhythm of the heartbeat.
During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or
irregularly.
Holter and event monitors also are used to detect
silent myocardial ischemia (is-KE-me-ah). In this condition, not enough
oxygen-rich blood reaches the heart muscle. "Silent" means that no symptoms
occur.
These monitors also can check whether treatments for
arrhythmia and silent myocardial ischemia are working.
This article focuses on using Holter and event
monitors to diagnose problems with the heart's speed or rhythm.
Overview
Holter and event monitors are similar to an
EKG
(electrocardiogram). An EKG is a simple test that detects and records the
heart's electrical activity. It's the most common test for diagnosing a heart
rhythm problem.
However, a standard EKG only records the heartbeat
for a few seconds. It won't detect heart rhythm problems that don't occur
during the test.
Holter and event monitors are small, portable
devices. You can wear one while you do your normal daily activities. This
allows the monitor to record your heart for a longer time than an EKG.
Some people have heart rhythm problems that only
occur during certain activities, such as sleep or physical exertion. Using a
Holter or event monitor increases the chance of recording these problems.
Although similar, Holter and event monitors aren't
the same. A Holter monitor records your heart's electrical activity the entire
time you're wearing it. An event monitor only records your heart's electrical
activity at certain times while you're wearing it.
December 2007
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