The Holter monitor is a portable electrocardiogram. It is designed to continuously record the electrical activity of the heart over 24 hours or longer, while the patient is away from the doctor’s office. One of the simplest and fastest tests used to evaluate the heart is a standard or “resting” EKG. Small, plastic patches called electrodes that stick to the skin are placed at certain points on the chest and abdomen. Electrodes are connected to an EKG via wires, which can detect the heart’s activity. Using an EKG or Holter monitor, the electrical activity of the heart can be measured, recorded, and printed. The device does not send any electricity into the body.

Natural electrical impulses coordinate contractions of the different parts of the heart, which keeps blood flowing the way it should. A Holter monitor records these impulses to show the strength and timing of the electrical impulses, the rhythm of the heart beats, and how fast the heart is beating. Changes in an EKG can be indicative of many heart-related conditions, including previous heart attacks and arrhythmia.

Holter monitors can find the cause of:

– Arrhythmia (heart rhythm abnormalities)
– Heart palpitations
– Unexplained dizziness

They can also determine how well the:

– Heart is getting oxygen
– Heart medications are working
– Pacemaker is working

Holter monitoring is used to determine how the heart responds to normal activity, including basic exercises like walking. The monitor may also be used:

After a heart attack

To diagnose heart rhythm problems with symptoms including:

– Palpitations
– Syncope (passing out/fainting)

Preparation for a Holter monitor is quite simple and does not require much beforehand. When using a Holter monitor, it is important to:

– Keep the Holter monitor dry
– Take a shower before the appointment
– Do not apply any lotions or creams
– Avoid activities that could expose the monitor to moisture
– Avoid areas of high voltage
– Avoid electrical and magnetic fields

The Holter may need to be applied again in an event where misreadings or false-positives occur.

Scanning all of the Holter monitor information into a computer and having the heart doctor interpret the information is a time-consuming process and usually takes about 2 weeks. Even if the results are normal, patients will be notified. If you or someone you love needs to monitor the health of their heart, come to Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced providers of Holter monitors and can help you stay on top of your health. Call us today to book an appointment, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 711 W Center St, West Bridgewater, MA 02379. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from West Bridgewater MA, Taunton MA, Middleborough MA, Plymouth MA, Pembroke MA, Braintree MA, Mansfield MA, Stoughton MA, Wareham MA, Somerset MA, Attleboro MA, Brockton MA, Abington MA, and surrounding areas.