The test done in an outpatient setting, the patient will get a medical device called holter placed at a cardiology medical office. The patient will get adhesive electrodes placed in different parts of the body these electrodes will record the electrical activity of the heart and will allow it to be monitored during the day, this will allow the doctor to identify any event or alteration that happened through the day.
The obtained tracing is transmitted to a recorder that will store the recorded data. This device is usually attached to a belt or a type of collar that is provided to the patient so that it is comfortable to wear, since it is not very large or heavy.
The patient usually leads a normal life, with the exception that certain situations in which the patient must keep some records throughout the day, this includes physical activity, stress, meals or the moment of falling asleep. The patient must later return to the office to have the electrodes removed.
The data from the record obtained through the holter monitor is subsequently evaluated by the cardiologist.
The test does not require great preparations. It is advisable to go to the doctor's office bathed, because during the period in which you are wearing the electrodes you will not be able to shower, since the material and the device could be damaged. The patient is given specific instructions to follow and is adviced to protect the device with a cover and keep it on a loose belt to be able to carry it comfortably.
The patient is adviced to continue going through the day as any other, performing their daily activities, take their regular medication unless indicates otherwise. It is convenient, as in all diagnostic tests, to inform your doctor of the medications that they are taking daily and if they were taken prior to the test.
What to expect from the test?
The test is painless, sometimes before placing the electrodes a little alcohol is placed on the skin with a cotton ball to clean the area so that the electrodes can adhere correctly, in case of persons with body hair, it may be necessary to shave the hair on the chest so that the electrodes will not detach or fall off. Sometimes it may require the placement of a tape on the electrodes for the same reason.
During the period that this test lasts, the patient must lead a normal life, recording the different activities that he carries out.
Grupo Cardiovascular de Tijuana
Reasons why the test is performed
Normal values
Meaning of abnormal results
The results can be the same as the ones obtained through conventional electrocardiogram, but it gives us an in depth analysis of possible triggers of rhythm disorders and its recorder in real time.
Diagnostic possibilities include:
- Arrhythmias such as tachycardia, blockages, bradycardias, rhythm disturbances
- Morphological alterations of the different parts of the heart such as enlargement of the atria and ventricles
- Defects of the heart muscle, either congenital or acquired
- Alterations of the heart valves
- Cardiac alterations derived from the use of a new drug
- Ischemic heart disease
