Holter Monitors and Your Heart Health

The heart is one of the essential organs humans have. It is well known that a healthy and normal functioning heart is necessary for everybody to live a normal life. However, if, for some reason, a heart health concern is raised, it can be resolved and dealt with the top-notch medical care available around us, thanks to the developments in the medical sciences. And amongst many such advancements, one of them we have nowadays is a Holter monitor. 

  

Now, if you don’t know what a Holter monitor is, keep reading the blog as we discuss the device in detail. To start with, let’s say that this equipment is designed to look after the heart. 

  

Holter Monitor: Definition 

A Holter monitor is a portable electrocardiogram (ECG). Thus, it can also be put as a device used to assess or track one’s heartbeat for 24-28 hours or more sometimes. It’s a heart rate monitoring device used in situations where a person is not in a hospital or under professional observation.  

The term ambulatory electrocardiography is also used to refer to the function a Holter monitor has to perform. In short, it can be also said that a Holter device is a 24-hour ECG monitor. 

  

Characteristics of a Holter monitor are: 

1. Small in size 

1. Portable 

1. Works using a battery 

1. Connected with electrodes and wires to attach to the skin 

Historical Fact: The device’s name, i.e., the Holter monitor, is named after its inventor, Norman J. Holter. It was created in the 1950s. 

 

Why is Holter Monitor Used? 

It should be noted that a laboratory ECG identifies heart rate at a given time, when the test is happening, whereas a Holter monitor helps by recording the same for a span of hours. Thus, usage of the device is recommended when an individual is experiencing frequent irregular heart activity. 

  

A few specified medical situations wherein the application of the Holter monitor can be advised by the experts are as mentioned below: 

• Encounter of unexplained symptoms like fainting, dizziness, tiredness, and a and a raced heartbeat. 
• After having a heart attack. 
• Often, the occurrence of irregular heartbeats or palpitations is also known as arrhythmia. 
• To observe the functioning of the pacemaker. 
• Starting a new medication for a heart problem. 

  

Functioning: How Does a Holter Monitor Work? 

Before understanding how a Holter monitor test happens, one should know that using it is a pain-free process and does not involve any risks.  

  

When it comes to the usage of a Holter monitor, the process goes down like this: 

1. Electrodes are connected to your body or to your chest using tape or adhesive. 

1. The device is carried around or kept close to the body using a pouch, which is placed around the neck or the waist. 

1. Holter monitors record heartbeats as the user performs daily activities. 

  

Since we now know the basic functioning of a Holter monitor, let us have a look at some of the things to take care of while using it. 

• Do not take a shower or go swimming. 
• Note down the activities performed while using the Holter monitor. 
• Reach out to the professionals if you are facing an allergy from the tape or adhesive you used. 

  

Conclusion 

Hence, to sum up all the context stated in this blog, one can conclude that a Holter monitor is equipment used to record the heart’s functioning for 24-48 hours. It’s an easy-to-use and portable alternative to traditional electrocardiogram monitoring. 

The situations or cases for the application of the device can vary, though the most basic reason amongst many other causes is irregular heartbeats.  

  

Also, while using the Holter monitor, modification to regular activities is not required; one can carry on with day-to-day movements when using it. However, the only thing to avoid is contact with water or taking a bath or shower. 

  

About Apollo HomeCare 

Apollo HomeCare is a well-known and reputed name in the medical industry in India. With a vast range of home care services offered in the sphere, one of them is homecare services. 

The homecare services offered by Apollo are feasible, easy to use, and convenient for everyone, depending on their personal needs. Along with it, Apollo provides a wide scope of homecare services as well. One such service covered in the same verse is the rent or purchase of medical equipment. 

  

Apollo HomeCare also offers the rental and purchase of almost all medical equipment. To learn more about the same or to simply book an appointment, get in touch with us, visit the website, or reach out to our team. And amongst many devices, Apollo HomeCare does have Holter monitors under it’s rent/buy purchase of medical equipment.