What Does a Holter or Event Monitor Show?
A Holter or event monitor may show whats
causing symptoms of an
arrhythmia.
This is problem with the speed or rhythm of the heartbeat.
Holter and event monitors also can show whether a
heart rhythm problem is harmless or whether it needs treatment. Treatment is
needed if the problem causes serious symptoms or increases your chance for
complications.
Serious symptoms may include dizziness, chest pain,
and fainting. Complications may include
heart
failure, stroke, or
sudden
cardiac arrest.
If the symptoms of your heart rhythm problem occur
often, a Holter or event monitor has a good chance of capturing them. You may
not have symptoms while using a monitor. Even so, your doctor may learn more
about your heart rhythm from the test results.
Sometimes, these monitors cant help doctors
diagnose heart rhythm problems. If this happens, talk to your doctor about
other steps you can take.
One option may be to try a different type of
monitor. The wireless Holter monitor and the implantable loop recorder have
longer recording periods. This may allow the monitor to get the data that your
doctor needs to make a diagnosis. |