It is a diagnostic test that consists of monitoring, on an outpatient basis and continuously for 24 hours, the electrical impulses of the heart (Electrocardiogram) of a person during their usual daily activity by means of a portable equipment called Holter, which is a small electronic device, which records and stores the patient’s electrocardiogram continuously and is usually used in patients with suspected cardiac arrhythmia as a cause of symptoms (palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath and episodic sweating or loss of consciousness, among others). This study is also useful to diagnose manifest and silent myocardial ischemia (Inadequate supply of oxygen to the heart muscle that in some people is not related to symptoms).
The Holter is positioned on the patient’s waist in such a way that it can be repositioned by him for his comfort. This equipment is connected to conductive cables that in turn are connected to electrodes attached to the patient’s chest skin.
For agility and certainty in the evaluation of the registry, it is very important that the patient records the time of day in which he feels any anomaly that may be related to the inadequate functioning of his heart, which allows the specialist to more easily find, if in fact there is some alteration of the cardiac rhythm that can explain the symptoms referred by the patient.
To carry out this test, the patient must consult the specialist beforehand, to find out what kind of considerations he must have, such as the suspension of some type of drug, in case he is using it and what are the cares that must be taken for the use of the drug. device.
- Arrive 15 minutes before the assigned appointment time.
- You must have at least 1 hour on the day of the appointment, so that the equipment is installed and you can return the next day at the same time to have it removed.
- Submit an identification document (Civil Registry, Identity Card, Citizenship Card, Immigration Certificate or Passport), health entity card, medical order and/or authorization.
- Submit: medical history, current medication formula and previously performed tests.
- Bring the money corresponding to the value of the moderating fee or the value of the particular appointment, as appropriate.
- If the patient is a minor, over 60 years of age or has any special condition, they must attend with (1) a companion.
- It is recommended to bathe before installing the equipment since you should not do it until it is removed.
- You should not use creams, powders, oils, colognes, among others, because this can damage the equipment or interfere with the measurement.
- Any type of accessory that you have on your neck and arms that could interfere with the procedure should be removed.
- You should wear comfortable and loose clothing, preferably open with buttons at the front.
- It is important to inform the doctor of the presence of a pacemaker if it is the case.
- In men with a lot of hair, it is advisable to shave the chest area so that the registration is of higher quality.
- It is not necessary to suspend any type of medication unless it has been indicated by your treating physician.
There are no major risks associated with the use of a Holter monitor, other than possible discomfort or skin irritation in the areas where the electrodes are placed.
It is normal that you feel little discomfort due to the presence of the equipment, cables and electrodes.
- Do not wet, do not hit, do not manipulate, or lie on the recorder.
- Do not disconnect or remove the cable or electrodes during the 24 hours of the test.
- If any of the cables or electrodes are disconnected by mistake, you must place them back in their initial position and report the time of the event to your doctor.
- Do not perform any significant physical activity or heavy work.
Note: Failure to follow the instructions can cause damage to the equipment, registration errors, and sometimes the total loss of the exam, for which it must be performed again, incurring additional costs, which must be assumed by the patient.