Holter Monitors
Holter monitors record your heart beat as you go about your daily activities. This monitoring helps the doctors evaluate the functioning of your heart. If your physician has ordered a Holter monitor, you will be coming to the office to receive the monitor and keeping it for 24 hours. Small painless electrodes will be placed on your chest. They connect to the lightweight recording unit, which attaches to a belt or shoulder strap.
While Wearing Your Holter Monitor...
You will be asked to follow your normal routine as closely as possible. You will also be asked to keep an accurate diary. This will help your doctor make a diagnosis. During the time that you will be wearing your holter, you will be asked to take a sponge bath only.
Cardiac Event Monitor
The most common type of event monitor is called a loop monitor. When you feel symptoms, you press a button and the monitor records your heartbeat/Other types of event monitors are worn on your wrist or carried in a purse or pocket. When you feel symptoms, you activate the device by pressing a button or holding the monitor to your chest.
While Wearing Your Event Monitor...
Keep your monitor with you at all times. Activate the monitor when you feel ANY symptoms, not just an irregular heartbeat. Be sure to keep an accurate diary. This will help your doctor make a diagnosis. These items may interfere with the device: electric blankets, garage door openers, microwave ovens, magnets, metal detectors, and high-voltage areas such as power lines. Stay away from them as they may affect the recording.