Holter Monitor Test in Coimbatore
Overview
A Holter monitor is a device used to record heart activity. This device helps to diagnose heart problems such as arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). The doctor will ask you to wear this device for a day or two to monitor the heart activity and record the heartbeats. This test is recommended if the ECG (electrocardiogram) does not give proper information about your heart condition.
The information recorded on the Holter monitor will help the doctor to find out if there is any problem with your heart rhythm. Sometimes, a standard Holter monitor may not record any abnormality in your heart rhythm; in such a case the doctor may ask you to wear the device for a longer time.
Before the Test
You must know some details so that you do not have any fear or anxiety before the test.
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You will decide a suitable time with your doctor to perform the test. You have to spare a day or two for the test. So, pick a time when you do not have to travel or avoid any water-based activities, and activities that require hard physical work. You will also be asked to remove any metal jewelry around your neck that may interfere with the results.
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You have to go to the outpatient department at Dr.Muthus Hospitals. The Holter monitor will be attached to your body by a technician. It will take only a few minutes. You will be asked to come back to the same facility after the Holter monitoring is finished to get it removed.
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You should wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes so that the monitor can be comfortably placed underneath. Men may be asked to shave certain small areas of the chest to attach the electrodes, wires, and machine properly.
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You can eat and drink normally before the Holter Monitor Test unless your doctor tells you otherwise and you can also take your routine medicines. You should take a bath before Holter monitoring because you cannot take a bath once you are wearing the device.
During the Test
A Holter monitor has some small electrode patches that are attached to your skin using small wires to a recording device. The recording device is a digital monitor and recorder that is placed around your neck or attached to your best. Everything including electrodes, wires, and recording devices is hidden under the clothes. The technician will give instructions on do’s and don’ts and will ask you to keep a record of your symptoms and activities while wearing the device. You can go back home.
Throughout the test
There is no special care to be taken during the test. While wearing the Holter monitoring device you can carry out your normal daily activities except avoid showering and bathing. You also have to keep a record of all the symptoms and activities throughout the test. If you notice any symptoms of palpitations, chest pain, lightheadedness, syncope, or shortness of breath you must immediately tell your doctor.
After the test
When the Holter Monitor Test in Coimbatore ends, you will return to the outpatient facility. The electrodes and wires are removed and the monitoring device is sent to the doctor for analysis. Your doctor will contact you within one or two weeks with the results and possible next steps.
Interpreting the results of the test
Your doctor will contact you with the results or you can schedule a visit with the doctor at Dr.Muthus Hospitals to discuss the results of your Holter monitoring. When interpreting the results of Holter monitoring, the main aim is that this test is usually done to find out if your symptoms are due to cardiac arrhythmia or not. Any correlating symptoms with the occurrence of arrhythmia can help in making a diagnosis.
Many people do not experience any symptoms due to arrhythmia. But, if an arrhythmia is seen on a Holter monitor without having any symptoms it means that the arrhythmia is not dangerous and no treatment is required.
But, if symptoms are present along with the presence of arrhythmia on the Holter monitor then it should be dealt with properly. The doctors at Dr.Muthus Hospitals are well-qualified and experienced and they can suggest the best possible treatment for your condition. The doctor will also discuss the other results shown on your Holter monitor in detail for proper evaluation of your health and also provides a very reasonable holter test cost in Coimbatore.
FAQs
Your doctor will recommend a 24-Hour Holter monitoring if you have the following conditions:
- If you are experiencing any heart-related symptoms such as shortness of breath, weakness, fainting, lightheadedness, or fainting.
- If you have chest pain even without doing exercise
- If you are experiencing irregular heartbeat or palpitations regularly
To identify the risk of related heart problems in the future such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, weakness after a heart attack, or Wolff Parkinson Syndrome
If you are wearing a pacemaker, the doctor may recommend Holter monitoring to determine the working of your pacemaker.
If you already have been suffering from arrhythmia, then it will help in determining how well the treatment is working.
Holter monitoring is an easy and simple method of assessing the functioning of your heart. There are rare risks associated with Holter monitor test in Coimbatore. Sometimes, it is difficult to stick the electrodes and wires to your skin and extra tape may be used to stick them. Removing the extra tape while removing the electrodes and wires may produce discomfort. Some people may experience irritation of the skin at the application site. There may be other risks depending on your specific health problems. You must discuss any symptoms with your doctor before wearing the 24-hour Holter monitor. Certain factors may interfere with the results of Holter monitoring. The factors such as wearing any metal jewelry close to the device may affect its working, certain medicines, smoking, and excessive sweating may produce wrong or false results.
When you are wearing the 24-hour Holter monitoring device:
- You should avoid bathing, showering, or swimming
- Avoid going for an X-ray
- Avoid going near a high voltage area or metal detector
- Avoid doing long travel
It may take a week or so for your doctor to study the results and analyze them properly to discuss with you. Your doctor may call you after a week to discuss the results with you. The results will show the monitoring of your heart and help in detecting arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, bradycardia, or premature ventricular contractions. The doctor will also discuss the further course of action in relation to Holter Monitor test in Coimbatore. He will suggest medicines for heart rhythm disorders or recommend further testing depending on the results of your tests.
Your doctor will explain to you the entire process and if you have any questions, you can ask your doctor. There is no need to fast and you can eat and drink normally before the test of Holter monitoring in Coimbatore The doctor will ask you to take a bath before the test because you are not allowed to bathe, swim, or shower while wearing the device. Your doctor may give specific instructions based on your other medical conditions.
