Your heart works hard around the clock to pump blood throughout your body to get you the nutrients and oxygen you need to function. Sometimes, an irregular heartbeat, also known as an arrhythmia, can interfere with that process. In some cases, arrhythmia doesn’t cause you any symptoms, but over time, you can be at risk for health complications as a result. A Holter monitor can detect arrhythmias, so you may get the treatment you need sooner.
What Is a Holter Monitor?
You’re usually given a Holter monitor after your complete another cardiac testing, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) to further assess you for arrhythmia.
A Holter monitor is a device you wear on your chest that has electrodes. The electrodes, sensors that stick to your chest, measure the electrical activity of your heart.
Generally, you wear the monitor for one to two days, and then your doctor will evaluate the results. If your internal medicine specialist doesn’t detect any irregular heartbeats, you may be given a wireless Holter monitor that you use for a longer period of time.
When May You Need to Wear One
Your doctor may recommend you wear a Holter monitor if you have signs of arrhythmia, such as shortness of breath or unexplained fainting spells. Sometimes, a doctor will suggest a Holter monitor if you have a condition that elevates your chances of having arrhythmia, like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Types of Arrhythmias a Holter Monitor Can Detect
Some examples of arrhythmias a Holter monitor can detect include:
- Atrial fibrillation, commonly referred to as afib, occurs when the upper chambers of your heartbeat sporadically and irregularly and aren’t in sync with the lower chambers of your heart.
- Tachycardia happens when your heart beats faster than normal. An average heart rate for an adult is between 60 to 100 beats per minute. Tachycardia is when your heart beats over 100 times per minute.
- Atrial flutter is similar to afib, but it doesn’t cause a chaotic heart rhythm. Instead, the upper chambers of your beat too quickly but more in a pattern than if you had afib.
- Supraventricular (SVT) arrhythmias arise when the area above your ventricles beats more rapidly than normal.
Risk of a Holter Monitor
As mentioned above, a Holter monitor doesn’t send any electrical signals that interfere with your heart rate. It’s strictly a way to monitor your heart rhythm. Therefore, there are no side effects of it. If anything, you may have a slight skin reaction or irritation due to the adhesive on the electrodes.
Holter Monitors in Irmo, SC
If you are interested in learning more about heart health, Holter monitors, and improving your well-being, visit the experts at SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation today. Our practitioners have a comprehensive understanding of heart function, heart problems, and the issues an arrhythmia can pose on your health and quality of life.
Schedule an appointment with SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation, serving Irmo and the surrounding South Carolina area, by calling (803) 749-1111. You can also request an appointment online.
