Holter
One of the best ways to examine your heart’s activity is to evaluate you for a continuous period while you go about your normal routine. This is why wearing a Holter monitor and having the results evaluated by the top-rated practitioners at CareFirst Wellness Associates can help you find out if your heart is healthy. Learn more about Holter monitor services offered, by booking an appointment online. You can also call your nearest office directly.
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A Holter monitor is very similar to an echo test (electrocardiogram), except the entire process revolves around your normal activities, rather than going through a test in your doctor’s office. You might need to wear a Holter monitor if you have:
Decreased oxygen flow
Irregular heartbeat
Fainting spells
Pacemaker
In some cases, your doctor wants you to wear a Holter monitor because you’ve been taking heart medications and they want to determine if the drugs are effective.
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A Holter monitor is a small battery-operated device that you wear on your belt. It has several wires attached to it that connect to electrodes that are strategically placed on your body. These electrodes track your heart’s electrical activity continuously for a set 24-48 hour period (sometimes longer).
A Holter monitor is comparable to an in-office echo test in that it also captures your heart’s electrical activity. But instead of just capturing a single snapshot, your Holter monitor tracks your heart’s function during all of your daily activities, from sleeping to exercising to working.
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Wearing a Holter monitor is entirely painless, but it can seem slightly obtrusive because you’re attached to a small machine and have wires connected to your body. You won’t be able to shower or bathe while wearing your Holter monitor, so make sure you do these things before your Holter monitor appointment at CareFirst Wellness Associates.
Your practitioner needs to attach several electrodes to your chest. If you have hair in the areas, they may need to shave some of the hair off to help the electrodes stick. They attach wires to each of the electrodes that are in turn attached to the Holter monitor.
It’s most common to wear the Holter monitor on your belt, but you can certainly put it in your pocket or in a sling if that’s more comfortable for you. Once your Holter monitor session is complete, you return the system to CareFirst Wellness Associates. Your practitioner evaluates the information from the Holter monitor and uses it to diagnose and treat you.
Find out if the Holter monitor is right for you by booking a consultation at CareFirst Wellness Associates. Schedule online or over the phone with your closest clinic.
