reading Holter results

does anyone have any insight on reading Holter results? I am waiting for a scheduled appointment to discuss with my doctor but had hoped I could get a head start on understanding the results.
I would be more than happy to post the results if someone has any insight!

Thanks in advance for any help!!

2 Comments

Holter Results

by SMITTY - 2008-06-02 10:06:58

Hello Shock537,

In one sense a Holter Monitor can best be described as a long term EKG in that it simply records what your heart is doing the same as an EKG but over a much longer period of time. Also unlike an EKG test, which is preformed in a tightly controlled environment, the Holter records heart activity as you go about your normal routine. Results from a Holter monitor will be provided to the physician, together with multiple EKG strips after the recording has been scanned by the technician. If the technician sees a rhythm that is life-threatening or potentially dangerous the physician is informed immediately. Otherwise, it may take a few days before you get the official results from your physician's office. At that time, you may also receive additional recommendations based upon the results of the test. For example, a pacemaker may be recommended if a patient has blackouts and the Holter monitor shows a seriously slow heart beat during the test.

When your doctor reports these results to you ask him for details on anything he tells you that you do not fully understand. The same as you would do if the doctor was reporting to you the results of an EKG

Good luck.

Smitty

Portable monitoring

by ElectricFrank - 2008-06-03 12:06:44

A lot depends on the particular Holter Monitor. The earlier versions didn't have enough memory to store 24 hours of full ECG data so they were designed to record some length of time in a continuous loop. When some significant event occurred the recording loop stopped and the data saved. Then loop recording resumed. The trigger event could be something programmed into the recorder such as a PVC, skipped beat, Vtach, etc.or sometimes the person wearing the recorder was given a button to press when a symptom occurred.
With the advent of cheap memory it is now possible to record continuous ECG data for several days. In this case the data is downloaded into a computer which analyzes it for events.
So the data can be so variable depending on the recorder and your needs that it is hard to get a head start on it. My only suggestion is to study up on the types of conditions you have experienced so you will understand the doctors report. Also, ask for a copy of the report and maybe some of us here can help.

frank

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