Holter Monitoring

[JMF1]

Hi still having problems with erratic pulse so have to have a holter test. Anyone had one and how are any problems found treated. Sorry just worrying and apologies for spelling of test.

[Ennasti]

as per my response in the other forum, I’ve had approximately 9 holters in the last 3 years, plus one called a heart bug which was on for 30 days. My results come very quickly - roughly a week and my cardiologist always arranges me to have the holter a week before my visit with him.

A holter monitor is simply a 24 hr ecg. You’ll have electrodes stuck to your chest and you’ll wear a little machine on a strap. You keep it on for 24hrs and either push a button when you have symptoms, or record it in writing on a sheet, and it records all of your heart beat activity during that time.

The outcome of the test is dependant on your symptoms, your health history and what is shown. If it’s just ectopic beats and you have no other related issues, it’s likely nothing will come of it. If you have an excess of ectopics, or an arrhythmia, then they may do more tests to find the cause.

[Manderson27]

I had a 7 day Holter monitor after having palpitations and mentioning it to a nurse at a regular health check, she did an ecg (I had never had one before) and that showed an anomaly in my heart beat. The monitor itself was easy to wear if a little irritating, they gave me spare electrodes so I could remove them to shower and replace them after. There was a little box that I could clip to a belt or in my case my bra. Sleeping was a bit awkward but I got used to it. If and electrode popped off it would beep and just needed popping back on like a press stud. After the week was up I returned the monitor and they downloaded the results and called me in to explain them. Turned out I had a Left bundle branch block which is an electrical fault that causes a slight delay in the message that helps the heart to pump. As there were no other underlying issues with my heart I am not on any medication and just having yearly check ups to see if anything changes. Doesn't stop me doing anything nor does it make me feel ill. It something I have probably had for decades but was never diagnosed as to me it was normal to get palpitations or flutters with my heart. Always put it down to too much coffee or sugar.