Why the Holter monitor test is done?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Have you ever felt a sudden stall in your heart’s rhythm? If so, chances are there you might have experienced arrhythmia. However, each year, millions of Americans experience these harmless hiccups. But if you’re constantly experiencing the symptoms of an arrhythmia, this could be an indication of a serious heart problem. To confirm the diagnosis, your cardiologist may recommend a Holter monitor test in Queens

Before you get yourself involved in a Holter monitor test, here are the things you need to know. 

What is a Holter monitor test?
A Holter monitor test is used to detect and capture the rhythm of your heart during daily activities. To perform this test, your cardiologist uses a Holter monitor device, also called an ambulatory electrocardiogram. This device records the rhythm of your heart through electrodes - small adhesive patches that are placed on the chest. Holter monitor test is done to check how your heart responds to normal activity. 

Why the Holter monitor test is done?

Well, your doctor may recommend the Holter monitor test for various reasons. Some of the most common reasons are given below:
  • Detecting irregular heartbeats such as cardiac arrhythmias 
  • Checking the activity of your heart after a heart attack
  • Evaluating chest pain 
  • It is also done to check your heart’s activity after your cardiologist has inserted a pacemaker
  • To determine how your body responds to certain medicines
  • Your heart specialist can also discover the exact reasons of certain symptoms, including dizziness, difficulty breathing, fainting, or light-headedness.
How to prepare for the Holter monitor test?
Like any other test, you must do some preparations before diving into a Holter monitor test as well. Choose loose-fitting clothes with a blouse or shirt having front buttons. By doing this, you can protect the electrodes from becoming loose. Apart from this, there is no such preparation for the Holter monitor test. However, you can eat and drink before the test. 

How is the Holter monitor test done? 
Your doctor will tell you everything - where and when to put on the Holter monitor test and when to take off. First of all, your doctor will clean your chest and also shave, if needed. This is done because clean skin helps electrodes stay longer. The next step is sticking electrodes to your chest. These electrodes are further attached with wires to a battery-operated monitor. 

While wearing the monitor, you can continue with your daily activities. Your doctor will ask you to keep a diary of your medicines, activity, and symptoms. Also, make sure the monitor doesn’t get wet. 

The bottom line 
Holter monitor test is performed to measure and record the rhythm of the heart continuously for 24-48 hours. This helps your doctor to determine the underlying heart problems. However, the efficiency of the test depends on whether your doctor is experienced or not. Hence, it is always important to choose the best cardiologist in your area. Book an appointment for the Holter monitor test in Queens

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