Holter monitoring is a method of functional diagnostics that allows for daily monitoring of the electrocardiogram. ECG recording is carried out continuously from 24 hours to three days. A holter is used to monitor the ECG - a small portable recorder that records the round-the-clock work of the heart and records data on its work per day on a computer. The cardiologist subsequently deciphers these records.

Holter monitoring named after researcher Norman J.. Holter, who first put this device into practice in 1961.

When installing a Holter monitor, the electrodes are attached to the patient's chest. The electrodes, in turn, are connected to a recording device.. Of course, the patient experiences certain inconvenience while wearing the device, however, the study itself is very informative and accurate, which allows the cardiologist to determine the exact diagnosis..

The data processing program provides analysis and definition of all types of cardiac disorders, in particular angina attacks and arrhythmia, which can significantly increase the effectiveness of the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Who is Holter monitoring indicated for With the help of a holter, an ECG is prescribed mainly to determine cardiac arrhythmias - episodes of atrial fibrillation, extrasystoles, etc.. , which are quite difficult to detect during a short study - a conventional electrocardiogram.

It happens that some atypical contractions for a healthy heart muscle appear only during a period of active physical activity, severe emotional shock, or in other situations.. In these cases, such violations cannot be fixed using a conventional electrocardiogram, while with Holter monitoring, the patient can lead his usual lifestyle: engage in a certain sport, work, take any position of the body, etc..

Also, with the help of a Holter study, it is possible to determine various disorders of the blood supply to the heart muscle, in particular, a change in the ST segment during sports or physical activity..

Can a Holter examination adversely affect a patient's health Holter ECG does not pose any harm to health. There is also no risk of electric shock.

To avoid damage to the device while wearing it, it is not recommended to take a bath or swim, so that water does not get inside. It is also not recommended to go through a metal detector while wearing a holter..

How to Install a Holter Monitor? Before the device is attached to the patient's body, he is advised to take a shower, since in the next day or even more he will not be able to take a bath and remove the monitor.

On the patient's chest, the doctor fixes the electrodes and adjusts their position.. Subsequently, the doctor connects the electrodes to the wiring of the recording device, which is attached to the patient's body using special straps..

The doctor instructs the patient, teaches him to keep a diary. This is necessary for the correct decryption of data received from the device.. The patient records the periods of sleep, wakefulness, physical activity, rest and all symptoms (chest pain, tachycardia, arrhythmia, etc.). ) with exact time.

After installing the device and receiving a list of instructions, the patient can return to his usual rhythm of life and daily routine..

Holter monitoring is an absolutely painless procedure. The patient experiences a slight inconvenience only while wearing the device, when the wires and the box of the device are hidden under clothing. During sleep, it is not recommended for the patient to roll over on his stomach, as the electrodes may shift, which will disrupt the recording of data..

The results of the holter study The holter is removed directly by a cardiologist or a nurse.

The patient provides the doctor with a diary of activity and symptoms, which the doctor examines along with device data.

Depending on the situation, the doctor makes a final diagnosis or sends the patient for an additional examination.. If during the day the results of the Holter study did not allow the doctor to draw up a definite picture, he can prescribe the patient to temporarily wear a heart rate recording device, which the patient himself will activate during the onset of alarming symptoms.

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