Holter or heart beat monitors are wearable ECG devices that record heartbeats for a longer period of time. They record ECG but for a duration that allows to obtain the trace during the occurrence of patients` symptoms. They are used for symptoms such as palpitations, dizzy spells and blackouts. The interpretation requires a trained cardiologist and correlation with symptoms. They can be wore from 24hrs to even 2 weeks.
Holter monitors can detect irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter or assess symptoms such as palpitations or dizziness and evaluate the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic medications or other interventions.
In addition to this, wearable heartbeat monitors are utilised in diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardias, POTS or even more dangerous heart rhythm called ventricular tachycardia.
The Holter device is attached to the chest via electrodes, which continuously record the heart’s electrical signals as the patient goes about their normal daily activities. The monitor is lightweight and compact, allowing patients to carry out their usual routines without interference.
The data collected by the Holter monitor are analysed by our cardiac physiologists, who examine the recorded heartbeats for abnormalities such as tachycardias (fast heartbeat), bradycardias (slow heartbeats) or even pauses (breaks in heartbeats).
After the monitoring period is complete, patients return the Holter monitors to our clinics either personally or by post. Any significant abnormalities or concerning heartbeats are reported and communicated to Dr Bart for further evaluation and management.
In our clinics, Holter monitors can be applied at the same time as a first consultation, to save patients time and unnecessary commute.
Our patients` feedback so far has been very positive. They describe our device as easy to wear and not impacting on their daily routines. One of the reasons for wearing a Holter monitor is to replicate patients` daily habits and indeed current, modern technology allowed this to be achieved.