Ambulatory Cardiac Monitoring
(Holter Monitoring; Ambulatory Electrocardiography [EKG])
Definition
Ambulatory cardiac monitoring is a way to watch and record the electrical activity of your heart. It is done as you go about your daily activities. Most of the recording devices are roughly the size of a pager or cell phone.
Heartbeat on EKG Monitor
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Reasons for Test
This test is used to determine whether the heart may be beating too slow or too fast. It also detects any abnormalities in heart rhythm.
Your heartbeat is regulated by electrical impulses. Sometimes there are abnormalities with these impulses. When the abnormality is happening all the time, it is easy to find in the doctor's office. But, sometimes the problem comes and goes. Ambulatory cardiac monitoring records your heart’s electrical activity for long periods of time. The length of time makes it much more likely to catch an abnormality that comes and goes.
Your doctor may advise ambulatory cardiac monitoring to assess:
- Fainting spells thought to be caused by the heart
- Occasional feeling that the heart is racing (palpitations)
- Treatment effectiveness for dangerous rhythm disturbances
What to Expect
Prior to Test
You will first be evaluated by a doctor. An EKG checks the electrical activity of your heart. It will likely be done in the office.
Description of Test
The test steps will depend on the type of device used:
- Holter monitoring —A small device will be strapped to you. Wires from the device will be attached to electrodes on your chest. Electrodes are small adhesive pads. You may be taught to replace them or asked not to remove them during the monitoring period. You will be instructed to keep a diary of your activities for the next 24 hours. You will then return the device and your diary for analysis. Some devices have an event button. You will push the button each time you have concerning symptoms.
- Looping monitor —The electrode may be a wrist band, finger attachment, or chest plate. This device records several minutes at a time, then starts over. You will push a button during or after an event to save the recording. For longer periods of monitoring, there is an implantable version. This electrode is surgically placed under your skin.
- Event recorder —This device is only used when you have symptoms. The device can be a wrist band with an activation button or a pager-sized device that you press onto your chest. Some of these are connected to a 24-hour-a-day central base that can immediately detect and respond to the event when you activate the signal.
- CardioNet (mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry) —A special service monitors your heartbeat continuously. It will respond immediately if it detects a serious event.
Certain environmental interferences should be avoided, including: magnets, metal detectors, high-voltage wires, radio frequency signalers, microwave ovens, electric blankets, electric toothbrushes, and electric razors.
After Test
After the procedure, you will return the equipment.
How Long Will It Take?
A typical interval is 24 hours. If your problem is less frequent than that, you may need to be monitored for a longer period of time. Longer monitoring often requires different devices.
Will It Hurt?
This test will not hurt. Sometimes removing the electrodes can be uncomfortable.
Results
The information recorded by the monitor will be evaluated. Your doctor will let you know if you need any more tests or treatment based on the study.
Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or any other concerns.
In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org/
Heart Rhythm Society
http://www.hrsonline.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cardiovascular Society
http://www.ccs.ca
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca/splash/
REFERENCES:
Abbott AV. Diagnostic Approach to Palpitations. American Family Physician . 2005;71. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20050215/743.html . Accessed November 1, 2012.
Ambulatory monitors. Cleveland Clinic Heart Center website. Available at: http://my.clevelan... . Accessed November 1, 2012.
Kadish A, Buxton A, Kennedy H, et al. ACC/AHA clinical competence statement on electrocardiography and ambulatory electrocardiography. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2001;38(7):2091-2100. Available at: http://content.onlinejacc.org/article.aspx?articleid=1127650 . Accessed November 1, 2012.
Last reviewed November 2012 by Michael J. Fucci, DO
Last Updated: 11/2/2012