Answer:The Holter monitor test is useful in picking up heart rhythm problems. In medical terms we call Holter monitoring a form of ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring. Modern Holter monitors are small and easily wearable. Usually there will be 2-3 leads attached to the chest wall by stickers. After the wearing period is over your cardiologist reviews the tracings.
Explanation:
A technician who will provide you with the instructions needed and will attach the Holter monitor. Firstly the leads are placed on the chest wall, attached by stickers. In some instances, for men, hair may need to be shaved off the chest to allow good electrode contact. The Holter monitor is typically carried in a pouch and worn across the shoulders. So no intrusion really you can go about daily activities.Of course those wearing the monitors cannot swim or shower. It is also advised to stay away from metal detectors or large magnets.
Holter Monitor Patient Diary
One of the most critical parts of the Holter monitor test is the patient diary. Patients are asked to keep a diary recording the timing and type of symptoms they have. These are then correlated with the tracings to see if symptoms and tracing abnormalities are related. One of the biggest issues with Holter monitoring is that patients often don’t keep an accurate diary that strongly limits interpretation of the monitor.
Holter Monitor Results
The Holter monitor will show the average heart rate, the fastest and the slowest heart rate. It will detect pauses and their length. It will catch fast heart rhythms and can often help to characterize them. Importantly the reading cardiologist will go through the patient diary and see if any heart tracing abnormalities were seen at the time symptoms were recorded
