According to a famous news portal, the number of deaths due to heart attacks in India has remained consistently over 25,000 in the last four years, and over 28,000 in the last three years. The increasing number of heart patients is the result of an unhealthy lifestyle, a lower amount of physical activity and a lower rate of awareness of getting the check at the right time. It is important to have a regular check-up to recognise the issues at the right time. It helps in increasing the life span. To check up doctors do various types of tests and one of those is the Holter Monitoring. Do you know about it? If not, then this blog is for you & connect with Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital for your regular heart checkup.

1. is Holter Monitoring?

Holter Monitoring is a non-invasive, painless test which helps the doctor record your heart’s rhythm and rate activities.

Holter Monitoring helps in understanding the reason for arrhythmia (heart rhythm abnormalities), heart palpitations and unexplained dizziness.

2. The process of Holter Monitoring

In this test, the doctor uses a device named Holter monitor. It is a small (about the size of a cellphone) battery-operated device which has wires and electrodes (small patches). These wires & electrodes will stick to your skin and will record your heart’s rhythm and rate activities.

A Holter monitor records your heart’s electrical activity for 24 or 48 hours. While you wear it, you continue to do your regular daily activities. After 24 or 28 hours you need to go back to the hospital and the professional will remove it and will also collect the report. This report will help the doctor to detect any underlying issues. You can do normal activities while wearing the Holter Monitor, however, you can’t bathe or swim. At the same time, you can’t have an X-ray and you can’t go near a high-voltage area or metal detector.

It is important to mention that this device was invented in the 1950s by Dr. Norman J. Holter.

3. What can a patient expect during the test?

a. Electrodes: The Holter Monitor device has some wires and electrodes which are small, round, sticky patches. These electrodes will be attached patient’s chest. For better results sometimes the technicians shave the patient chest.

b. Placing & handling the monitor: The technician will help the patient in connecting the electrodes with the monitor and will also help in handling the monitor. Patients can carry the heart monitor in a pocket or bag or can wear it on a strap, like a purse. Wearing on the wrist is also a convenient way of carrying the monitor.

c. Keeping track of the activities: The patient needs to track the activities and he/she needs to note them. For example, if he/she feels any kind of shortness of breath, skipped or uneven heartbeats or chest pain, they need to note down them so that they can inform the technician and the doctor later.

A patient can do anything after wearing the Holter Monitor except activities such as swimming, bathing, X-ray etc.

4. Advantages of Holter Monitoring

There are various advantages of Holter Monitoring. The advantages are-

• It is a non-invasive procedure. So, it is painless. The monitor is simply attached by sticky electrodes and is easily taken off once it is done.
• It helps to detect or determine the risk of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Remember, faster detection means faster recovery.
• If you are facing issues of heart palpitations or dizziness. The Holter Monitoring test helps in finding out the reason.
• It helps in detecting whether the heart is getting enough oxygen or not.
• It helps in understanding whether a pacemaker is working or not.

In short, the Holter Monitoring process helps in detecting minor to major issues of the heart and helps in increasing the life span.

How does Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital help in this?

Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital is one of the leading hospitals in the city and they have an efficient heart department. They have skilled technicians and doctors to do non-invasive tests such as ECG, ECHO Cardiography, Holter Monitoring & Treat Mill Test (TMT).

In the invasive section, they have expertise in coronary angiography, peripheral angioplasty, coronary angioplasty (Primary and complex), peripheral angioplasty, permanent pacemaker implantation, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD implantation) & device closure (ASD, VSD, PDA).

Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital has 24*7 emergency services and also has a range of experienced cardiologists to take care of you.

Some common FAQs

What kind of test medication can a doctor prescribe after a Holter Monitor test?

Well, that totally depends on the doctor. However, they can prescribe-
More cardiac tests.
Heart medications.
Pacemaker.
Cardioversion procedure to help your heart return to a steady rhythm.
Ablation (a treatment that uses hot or cold energy to create scar tissue) of abnormal rhythm.

Is the Holter Monitoring painful

No. it is a non-invasive procedure. There is no involvement of piercing or any kind of operation. So, 100% painless.

Is there any risk related to this test?

No. This test is totally painless and no risk is involved in it. The only problem the patient may get is itchiness due to the tapes. Because the electrodes will attach to the patient’s chest with tape. The tape might cause some itchiness or irritation. In that case, the patient can inform the technician or the doctor. We hope that they will arrange something.

How much time take to get the result of this test?

Well, that depends on the hospital and the doctor. Typically, it takes a week or two to get the result. However, you can directly ask your doctor or the technician about it before the test.

Can I eat normal food during the 24 to 48 hours of the test?

Yes, you can. However, always follow the instructions of your doctor. Ask your doctor clearly if you have any confusion.

Final words: The Holter Monitoring test is one of the most useful tests of cardiology. This test helps in detecting issues such as arrhythmia (heart rhythm abnormalities), reason of heart palpitations, dizziness etc. Apart from these, this test also helps in finding whether the heart is getting a sufficient amount of oxygen or not if the pacemaker is working or not. Most importantly, the Holter Monitoring helps in checking heart health all over. So, if there are any issues, that can be detected in the initial stage and can be treated. In a nutshell, the Holter Monitoring test helps save lives. If you or a loved one is facing any minor cardiac issue, do not overlook it. Get a consultation in Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital at the right time and save life.

Disclaimer

Though all attempts are made to provide correct information on the subject, inadvertent & typographical errors arising out of manual intervention cannot be ruled out. It is requested to bring any such discrepancies to the notice of the blogger for correction