How a 24 Hr Holter Monitor test is performed

Summary

A halter monitor is a small device that tracks your heart rate and rhythm for 24 hours, recording your heart's electrical activity (ECG). During the procedure, electrodes are placed on your chest, and the device is worn while you go about your daily activities. You may be asked to press a button if you experience symptoms. After the 24-hour period, the monitor is returned, and the data is analyzed by a cardiologist who prepares a report for your referring doctor. This non-invasive procedure helps in monitoring heart health efficiently.

Takeaways

• 😀 A halter monitor tracks heart rate and rhythm for 24 hours, recording the ECG of the heart's electrical activity.
• 😀 The device is worn for a 24-hour period to monitor heart activity continuously.
• 😀 Electrodes are placed on the chest, and some hair may be shaved for proper attachment of the electrodes.
• 😀 The electrodes are connected to a recording device with several wires.
• 😀 Patients are instructed on how to wear the device properly to ensure continuous recording.
• 😀 There may be a button on the device that patients press when they feel any symptoms during the monitoring period.
• 😀 Patients can resume normal activities and hide the electrodes and wires under their clothes during the monitoring period.
• 😀 After the 24-hour monitoring, patients return the halter monitor to Heart West.
• 😀 A nurse or technician removes the electrodes from the chest after the monitoring period ends.
• 😀 The ECG technician downloads the data from the device and prepares it for reporting.
• 😀 A Heart West cardiologist reviews the data and writes a report that is sent to the referring doctor for further discussion with the patient.

Q & A

What is a halter monitor?

A halter monitor is a small digital device that tracks your heart rate and rhythm for 24 hours, recording your ECG (electrocardiogram), which is a record of the heart's electrical activity.

What happens during the process of using a halter monitor at Heart West?

At Heart West, a technician will place electrodes on your chest, possibly shaving some hair to ensure proper electrode adhesion. The electrodes are then connected to a recording device, and you will be shown how to wear it properly.

Why might some hair need to be shaved before the electrodes are placed?

Some hair may need to be shaved to ensure that the electrodes stick properly to your skin, which helps in obtaining accurate readings during the monitoring period.

What should you do if you feel symptoms while wearing the halter monitor?

If you experience symptoms, you may be instructed to press a particular button on the recording device to note the occurrence, helping the healthcare provider analyze the data later.

Can you continue with your normal activities while wearing the halter monitor?

Yes, once the monitor is fitted, you can resume your normal activities. The electrodes and wires can be hidden under your clothes.

How long do you wear the halter monitor?

You wear the halter monitor for 24 hours, during which time it continuously records your heart's electrical activity.

What happens after the 24-hour monitoring period is over?

After the 24-hour monitoring period, you return to Heart West to return the halter monitor. A nurse or technician will remove the electrodes from your chest.

Who reviews the data from the halter monitor?

An ECG technician will download the data from the device, and a cardiologist at Heart West will analyze it and prepare a report.

How is the report from the halter monitor used?

The report prepared by the cardiologist is sent to your referring doctor, who will discuss the findings with you and recommend any necessary steps.

How is the ECG data used in diagnosing heart conditions?

The ECG data from the halter monitor provides detailed information about the electrical activity of the heart, helping doctors detect issues like arrhythmias, irregular heart rhythms, or other heart conditions.