Cardiac Holter, who needs it and when

By Cristiano Antonino On Mar 1, 2023

Let’s talk about cardiac holter: when you have heart problems, whatever their nature, in order to diagnose them you undergo an electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG

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It starts with a symptom, which can be a twinge in the chest, tingling in the arm, tachycardia, heart failure of various kinds, and the attending physician prescribes a series of tests, one of the first of which is the electrocardiogram.

One lies on a couch, electrodes are attached to measure heart function, and the test can also be performed under stress.

But this is not always the ideal test when one suffers from heart disorders or decompensations that occur sporadically.

In this case, longer observation is necessary in order to detect them, so the patient would have to be attached to the electrodes for at least 24 hours, which is rather uncomfortable.

To avoid this, a portable diagnostic tool, the cardiac Holter, has been developed.

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What is the cardiac Holter

It is, as we said, a diagnostic tool, a particular electrocardiogram, equipped with a portable electrocardiograph that allows us to keep the heart function under control for a period of time, generally, of 24 or 48 hours.

An instrument that is all in all simple to use and which allows any cardiac problems to be diagnosed precisely and completely painlessly.

The Holter, in fact, is placed in contact with the body and absolutely must not be removed, which is why it is absolutely forbidden to shower or wash adjacent parts.

One must then keep a record of the activities carried out during the day that have caused episodes of heart failure such as palpitations, dizziness, dyspnoea, or even more or less painful twinges in the chest.

It is then necessary to practise normal daily activities, so that the results are not altered.

In addition, but just as a precaution, one should avoid getting close to other equipment that could alter the results, i.e. microwaves, mobile phones, PCs, electric blankets.

In reality, there is no evidence that these devices alter the results, but it is good to take precautions anyway.

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Who needs a cardiac Holter test?

As we have seen, this is a test that detects any imbalance in the heart’s electrical activity.

The test is usually prescribed when the patient detects discomfort or pain, but also when he or she suffers from all these symptoms that we have described above.

It is very useful if the patient has a pace maker or undergone heart surgery in order to monitor its continuous activity over 24 hours.

The results obtained with this diagnostic test are sufficiently reliable and can be consulted by the patient a few days after the test.

From the findings of the test, the doctor will then be able to prescribe the necessary therapy or treatment.

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