Cardiac Rhythm Monitoring An Overview
We recommend heart rhythm monitoring when patients exhibit heart rhythm disturbances such as arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, palpitations, and dizziness. Buckeye Heart & Vascular Institute offers a full range of diagnostic testing to help identify various arrhythmias and abnormal heart rhythm problems. Our office also provides heart and vascular services crucial to your health.
What are the most common abnormal heart rhythms?
The most common abnormal heart rhythms include Tachycardia, Atrial fibrillation (AF), Atrial flutter, Bradycardia, and Premature contractions (PAC). Abnormal heart rhythms can be fast, slow, or irregular. The type of treatment you receive for a heart arrhythmia will depend on the kind of abnormal beat.
Can you shower with a cardiac event monitor?
We do not recommend showering with a cardiac event monitor as water can damage the device and interfere with results. You can remove and reattach a cardiac event monitor for personal hygiene reasons.
Can you drink coffee while wearing a Holter monitor?
We ask that you limit your coffee and alcohol consumption, as these can cause heart rhythms not associated with heart problems and report inaccurate results.
Cardiac Rhythm Monitoring What to Expect
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
EKG, also known as an electrocardiogram, is a test that measures the electrical activity of your heart at rest.
An EKG measures your heart’s electrical activity. During an EKG, your technician will place small electrode patches on the chest, legs, and arms. These electrodes connect to a machine that produces a detailed report on the heart’s rate and rhythm.
An EKG is a quick, non-invasive test that allows your doctor to identify any abnormalities in the heart rhythm or rate, diagnose a heart attack, measure the size of the heart, and analyze blood flow to the heart.
We perform an EKG in one visit, and it only takes a few minutes for the computer to analyze the electrical impulses. Once completed, your physician interprets the reading and determines if further testing or treatment is needed.
Holter Monitor
A Holter monitor is a small device that records your heart rhythm. You wear a Holter monitor for 24 hours up to a week. The Holter monitor is attached to the chest using EKG electrodes and wires. We secure the portable device to the belt loop, allowing patients to resume their normal activity after the appointment.
Patients mustn’t get their device wet because it can interfere with the results.
While in use, the Holter monitor records all of the heartbeats. The machine converts recordings to similar readings as an EKG may provide. We may ask you to keep a diary of your symptoms while wearing the Holter monitor.
With the information gathered from the Holter monitor, your physician can determine if you have a heart rhythm disorder.
Cardiac Event Monitor
Arrhythmias may occur sporadically every few days, weeks, or months. Cardiac event monitors allow patients to record their symptoms as they experience them. Patients will activate the EKG device, recording the heart rhythm at the activation time. We encourage patients to keep an activity and symptom journal throughout this process.
A cardiac event monitor is a small, portable device that records your heart’s electrical activity. A cardiac event monitor records the heart rate and rhythm while a patient is experiencing a cardiac “event.” The monitor is worn for several days or up to a month.
Patients can remove their cardiac event monitor to perform their hygiene routine but need to reattach it afterward. Your physician will explain how to use the device during your appointment.
Your physician will receive daily reports from the cardiac event monitor. They determine if additional testing or treatment is necessary after your treatment is over.
