You know something is amiss with your heart. Every once in a while, you feel a skipped beat, a fleeting flutter, or a sudden succession of rapid pounding, but these occasional heartbeat fluctuations are hard to describe and harder to diagnose because they don’t perform on cue for the doctor.
We understand your frustration and have the perfect solution — the Holter monitor.
Dr. Fahmi Farah and our Bentley Heart team in Fort Worth, Texas, specialize in cardiac problems and understand that some symptoms are sneaky. They come and go and are sometimes so subtle you might not even feel them.
The Holter monitor is a wearable device that tracks your heart’s electrical activity all day for up to two weeks. Discreet electrodes attached to your chest send information to the portable EKG device in your pocket or waistband and instant information.
Here’s a quick guide to help you get the most out of your Holter monitor experience.
A Holter monitor runs itself, so you don’t have to worry about its mechanics, but you can do a few things to stay comfortable while wearing it and ensure your results are clear and informative at the end of the test.
We give you specific instructions tailored to your condition. Follow them meticulously to ensure the monitoring process is effective.
Record your daily activities, symptoms, and any unusual events. Noting the time of each occurrence helps Dr. Farah correlate your heart’s activity with your physical activities and symptoms.
Stick to your typical daily activities, including exercising, working, and even sleeping at your usual times to capture your heart’s activity during your regular routine.
Functional problems are rare, but check the device now and then to ensure the electrodes are securely attached to your skin.
Dehydration can affect your heart rate and the monitoring results, so drink plenty of fluids.
While wearing the Holter monitor, wear loose-fitting clothes that won’t interfere with the wires.
While the Holter monitor is self-sufficient and requires no assistance from you to operate, that doesn’t mean there are no rules. Here’s what you shouldn’t do while wearing the Holter monitor.
Don’t shower, bathe, or swim while wearing the Holter monitor because water can damage it.
Unless Dr. Farah tells you to remove them, leave the electrodes in place to ensure continuous monitoring.
Avoid exposure to strong magnetic fields, such as those from MRI machines or large electronic devices; they can interfere with the monitor.
While you should maintain your regular activities, don’t do anything extreme that could dislodge the electrodes.
Obviously, the device won’t work if you disconnect it, so keep it connected at all times. If it’s uncomfortable or you experience any issues, call us.
Electric blankets or heating pads can interfere with the monitor’s readings.
These guidelines should help you get the most out of your Holter monitor experience, but never hesitate to ask questions or express concerns. Call Bentley Heart or book an appointment online.