Heart Rhythm
i. Event Monitor
An Event Monitor is a battery-operated, portable device that measures and tape-records your heart’s electrical activity (ECG) continuously for up to 30 days. Electrodes (small conducting patches) are placed on your chest and attached to a small recording monitor that you can carry in a pocket or in a small pouch worn around your neck. Some event monitors do not require electrodes but rather you carry the monitor in your pocket and apply it on your chest whenever you get abnormal heart rhythms. You can record heart rhythm any time you have symptoms but the monitor may also have automatic detection of abnormal heart rhythms.
ii. Holter Monitor
A Holter Monitor is a battery-operated, portable device that measures and tape-records your heart’s electrical activity (ECG) continuously for 24 to 48 hours or longer depending on the monitor used. Electrodes (small conducting patches) are placed on your chest and attached to a small recording monitor that you can carry in a pocket or in a small pouch worn around your neck. The recording is then analyzed, a report of the heart’s activity is tabulated and irregular heart activity is correlated with a diary that you keep of your activity at the time. It is very important that you accurately record your symptoms and activities so that the doctor can correlate them with your Holter monitor findings. (Also called Ambulatory Electrocardiography, Ambulatory ECG or Ambulatory EKG.)
The recording is then sent over regulard phone to your doctors office. A report of the heart’s activity is tabulated and irregular heart activity is correlated with a diary that you keep of your activity at the time. It is very important that you accurately record your symptoms and activities so that the doctor can correlate them with your Event monitor findings.
iii. Pacemaker Monitoring
Your pacemaker will help make sure your heartbeat remains strong and regular, but you also play an important role in staying healthy. Be sure you understand your follow-up plan and keep all appointments for exams and follow-up tests. Follow your instructions, don’t hesitate to talk about your concerns, and immediately report any new symptoms.
iv. Electrophysiology Study An Electrophysiology Study is performed to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart. Three to five electrically sensitive catheters placed inside the heart record electrical activity. These recordings locate abnormal tissue that causes irregularities in the heartbeat (arrhythmias).