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Holter Monitor & Loop recorder

Holter Monitor

The Holter Monitor is a device that records a patient’s heart rhythm continuously for a 24 hour period. The Holter Monitor records each and every heart beat. The Holter Monitor is placed on the patient at the doctor’s office. Sticky patches are attached to the skin. Wires are attached to the sticky patches and connect to the Holter Monitor. The Holter monitor can be worn on a belt or in your pocket. A diary is provided with the Holter so the patient can write down any symptoms (such as palpitations, skipped beats, chest discomfort or shortness of breath) so the heart rhythm at that time can be reviewed.
When the 24 hour period is complete, the patient can remove the sticky patches from the skin and put the monitor and its wires in a safe place until it is brought to the doctor’s office for analysis. Remember, once the sticky patches are disconnected, the Holter Monitor stops recording. Remember not to get the Holter Monitor wet! You may bathe, shower or swim once the monitor has been removed.
Since the Holter Monitor can record over 100,000 heart beats in a day, it may take 24-48 hours to process. The doctor’s office will call you with a report.

Event Monitor

An Event Monitor is a small device that is similar to a Holter Monitor. The Event Monitor is used to evaluate a patient over a longer period of time (usually one to four weeks). The Event Monitor only records a patient’s heart beats when the button is pushed. The monitor is specially programmed to record several seconds of time before the button is pushed (using a “buffer”), and several seconds afterwards. Most monitors will allow the patient to push the button several times before the monitor needs to be transmitted over the phone to the doctor’s office. Just like with the Holter Monitor, the Event Monitor requires several sticky patches be applied to the skin. Wires from the Event Monitor are connected to the sticky patches.
Event monitors and their sticky patches can be removed and replaced at any time. Remember not to get the Event Monitor wet! You may remove the Event Monitor to bathe, shower or swim or for any activity or sleep. Ask your doctor for special instructions.
When you pick up your Event Monitor, the technician will tell you how to download your “events” to the doctor’s computer by telephone. Don’t worry if you forget, the technician will review the steps with you when you call the office. You may call any day between 9am-12noon, and 1pm-4pm.

 
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