Holter and Event Monitors

Holter and Event monitors are two different kinds of devices used to monitor the rhythm of the heart rhythm. These devices help doctors diagnose specific heart issues such as arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat.

Holter and Event monitors can record how fast your heart is beating. They can also monitor and determine whether your heart is beating normally or irregularly. These devices can also determine the strength and timing of electrical impulses as they pass through your heart.

Holter can consistently record your heart rhythm for 24-72 hours. The Holter device is small, about the size of a pack of playing cards. The device is battery-powered and can either be clipped to a belt or kept in a pocket. There are several wires that connect the device to a series of sensors called electrodes. The electrodes or sensors are attached to your chest using adhesive patches. The electrodes detect your heart’s electrical signals while the device records the rhythm of your heart.

The Event monitor is quite similar to the Holter monitor. Just like the Holter monitor, there are several wires that connect the device to a series of sensors or electrodes. The electrodes are also attached to your chest using adhesive patches. The electrodes detect your heart’s electrical signals while the device records the rhythm of your heart.

What is the Difference between a Holter Monitor and Event Monitors

Although Holter and Event monitors are similar in many ways, there are some key differences between these two devices.

One of the major differences between these two monitors is how they record your heart’s electrical activity. While Holter continuously monitors and records your heart rhythm, Event monitors only record your heart’s rhythm when you are experiencing symptoms. Some Event monitors will automatically start recording your heart rhythm only when they detect abnormal heart rhythms. Some others are activated manually. You need to activate the device when you feel symptoms.

The major drawback with the Event monitor is that it does not record heart rhythms that occur without physical symptoms. It has the potential to lead to a missed diagnosis. Holter is a better option in this case as it records continuously for up to 72 hours. Holter provides consistent and more accurate reporting.

Another difference between Holter and event monitor is the size of the device. Holter monitors are typically bigger in size than Event monitors.

Holter and Event Monitor: Procedure, Uses, Results

The procedure of Holter and Event Monitors

You may be required to sit or lie down in your technician’s office. The technician will place electrodes on your chest and hold them in place using adhesive patches. These electrodes detect your heartbeat or heart electrical signals.

The electrodes are connected to a recording device with several wires. You may need to fix the recording device to your belt, keep it in your pocket, or wear it around your neck. Your technician will instruct you on how best to place the recording device so it works properly.

After the monitor is fitted properly, you can leave your technician’s office and go back home. You can resume your normal activities with the device on.

What you can expect from Holter and Event Monitors?

Holter and Event monitors are painless and noninvasive. Once your device is turned on, don’t take it off. You must wear the monitor at all times, even while asleep.

While you wear your monitor, you will typically be given a form to help you record your activities and symptoms.

It is important to note when you experience any of the following symptoms:

Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Lightheadedness
Pounding, fluttering, or skipped heartbeats

You also need to write down the activities you do and exactly what time you do them.

Your doctor will instruct you on the length of time you should wear your monitor. You may need to wear your monitor for up to 72 hours, depending on what condition your doctor thinks you have or how frequently you experience symptoms.

You will need to return the monitor to your doctor once your monitoring period is over. You will also need to give your doctor the form that you recorded your activities and symptoms while wearing the monitor.

Results

Your doctor will look at the results of the monitor recorder and also compare data from the monitor with your notes on the form. This information will help your doctor diagnose your condition.

The information from the monitor can tell your doctor if you have a heart condition. Your doctor will talk to you about your results.

Your doctor may not be able to diagnose your condition if you don’t have any irregular heart rhythms while you wore the monitor.

Why Holter monitoring is done?

Holter is used to monitoring the rhythm and electrical activity of the heart. It monitors and records the rhythm and electrical activity of the heart for a period of time. From the records, a cardiologist or heart specialist can be able to diagnose if you have a heart condition or not. Holter is typically used to diagnose heart rhythm problems that may be causing symptoms such as heart palpitations.

Can a Holter monitor detect blockage?

Holter monitor is used to detecting heart rhythm disorders. It can’t detect blockage in the arteries or heart. However, some people may have conditions such as blockage of the artery or heart that can lead to a slow heart rate and dizziness. In such cases, a Holter monitor may help the doctor to arrive at a diagnosis.

What can a Holter monitor detect?

Holter monitor is used to detecting heart rhythm disorders. It can detect and record irregular heartbeat, abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias), and heart palpitations

Can you exercise while wearing a Holter monitor?

You can do light exercises while wearing a Holter monitor. More strenuous and demanding exercises may disrupt Holter monitor results.

Will Holter monitor show palpitations?

A Holter monitor can detect and record heart palpitations. A Holter monitor can detect and record heart palpitations that could not be detected by a regular electrocardiogram (ECG) exam.

What can I expect from an event monitor?

An event monitor helps your doctor diagnose if you have a heart condition or not. It is a painless device. An event monitor has no associated risks.

Can I shower with an event monitor?

No. You can’t shower with an event monitor. You are to ensure that the monitor doesn’t get wet. You’re not allowed to shower for the duration that you will be wearing the event monitor.

How do I check my event monitor?

The event monitor detects and records your heart rhythm and electrical activity. You can’t check the recording of your heart rhythm by yourself. Your doctor will check the monitor and share the results with you.

What problems can a Holter monitor detect?

A Holter monitor can detect irregular heartbeats and abnormal heart rhythm. It can detect heart palpitations and can help your doctor diagnose if you have a heart condition.