Q: What is a Holter monitor?
A Holter
monitor is a small, lightweight, diagnostic recording device. It is used to record your electrocardiogram
(ECG) while you are normally active. It is able to record two or
three channels (views) of your ECG continuously for 24, 48 or
72-hours. Holter monitoring is a form of ambulatory cardiac
monitoring.
Holter
monitors have an event button that can be activated when you experience
a cardiac symptom. When the event button is pushed, an indicator mark is placed on the
recording so we can see on your
ECG where you experienced the symptom. During the time you wear
the monitor, you will maintain a diary of your symptoms and
activities. Your doctor will be able to match these symptoms and
activities with
your ECG rhythms.
The Holter monitor continuously
measures from your skin surface, via the electrodes, electrical
activity generated by your heart muscle and stores it permanently on
magnetic tape or onto a memory flashcard. The monitor is connected to your chest using 5-7 adhesive electrodes.
Electrodes
conduct electrical activity from the skin surface to the electrode
wires. Lead-wires snap onto the electrodes and are attached to the monitor at
the other end by a connector. The current moves from the skin
surface through the electrodes and up the lead-wires directly into the
recorder.
This device was invented by Jeff Holter, PhD., from Missoula, Montana.
Originally, it was a large pack of equipment that was worn on the patient's
back. Of course, since that time, these devices have been miniaturized.
Q: What is a cardiac event monitor?
A cardiac event
monitor is smaller and lighter than the Holter. It is also a
diagnostic recording device.
Like the Holter monitor, it is used to record the electrocardiogram
(ECG) while you are normally active. It records one channel
(view) of your ECG for up to 30 days (usually about 2 weeks). However, it
does not record continuously. It records only when you activate
it during symptomatic episodes. Depending upon how the monitor
is programmed, it will hold 2-3 event recordings. When the
monitor is full, you will be alerted to transmit the recordings by telephone back to
CardioGraphics. Cardiac event monitoring is also a form of ambulatory cardiac
monitoring.
Cardiac
event monitors have an event button that can be activated when you experience
a cardiac symptom. When the event button is pushed, the monitor
records. It is able, by the use of "looping" memory,
to record both before and after the button is pushed. During the time you wear
the monitor, you will maintain a diary of your symptoms and
activities. You will relay the symptoms and activities you
experienced with each recording to CardioGraphics' nurse or cardiovascular
technologist at the time you transmit the recordings.
The cardiac event
monitor continuously
measures from your skin surface, via the electrodes, electrical
activity generated by your heart muscle. It stores a sample of
your ECG onto non-volatile internal memory when you activate the
recorder by pushing the Record button. The monitor is connected to your chest using
2 adhesive electrodes.
Lead-wires snap onto the electrodes and are attached to the monitor at
the other end by a connector. The ECG data remains in the
monitor's memory until it is
transmitted by telephone back to CardioGraphics.
Q: Why should I wear a heart
monitor?
Your doctor has
ordered a Holter or cardiac event monitor for you because you told him
of a symptom, or symptoms, that indicate your heart may have an
abnormal rhythm. These studies will either confirm the
arrhythmia, rule it out as the source of your symptom(s) or indicate
that additional tests need to be performed.
Q: Where do I go to get my
heart monitoring equipment?
CardioGraphics
can provide you with a cardiac monitor at a scheduled time or on a
drop-in basis, right in our office. If you are unable to come to our office, we
may be able to arrange to meet you at your
ordering physician's office.
Q: What if I live outside the
Portland/Metropolitan Area?
If
you live outside the Portland/Metropolitan area and your doctor has
ordered a monitor, we can mail it directly to you. Included with
the monitor are detailed instructions, a hook-up kit and a prepaid
mailer that can be used to conveniently return the monitor once the
study is complete.
Q: Can I take a bath or shower when I'm
wearing this monitor?
When
wearing a Holter monitor, most daily activities are unaffected.
You may not, however, take a bath or shower during the course of the study.
When wearing a cardiac event monitor, you may take a bath or shower, but
you must
remember to leave the monitor outside the bathroom Both
water and steam
will damage these monitors!
Q: How can I get to your
office?
Physical
Address: 8440 SE Sunnybrook Blvd, Suite
210
Clackamas, OR 97015
From
I-205 North: Take the Sunnyside Rd Exit
Turn left on Sunnyside Rd
Drive past Clackamas Town Center
Turn left on 82nd Ave.
Turn left on Sunnybrook Blvd (Sweet Tomatoes is on corner)
We are located at the next intersection on the right side.
From I-205
South: Take the Sunnyside Rd Exit
Turn right on Sunnyside Rd
Drive past Clackamas Town Center
Turn left on 82nd Ave.
Turn left on Sunnybrook Blvd (Sweet Tomatoes is on corner)
We are located at the next intersection on the right side.
Q: How long will the
appointment last?
It takes about 15
minutes for us to connect you to a Holter monitor and provide you with
instructions. We require approximately 20-30 minutes to connect
you to a cardiac event monitor.
Q: Does my insurance cover this
service?
Most
insurance companies cover the cardiac services that we provide.
The level of coverage solely depends on your policy. Please
remember, if you have a co-pay or deductible, it is due at the time of
service. If you have any questions regarding your coverage,
please contact our Business
Office.
Q: How long do I have to wear the
monitor?
Holter
monitors are worn for 24, 48 or 72-hour periods. Cardiac
event
monitors are typically worn until your symptoms are documented
(usually two weeks or less) up to a maximum of 30 days.
Q: How long does it take to get
my results?
The results
of studies performed by CardioGraphics are transmitted electronically
to large hospital accounts, or are delivered by courier or US mail to
your physician or hospital. Holter studies are completed by
priority. The results are usually sent to your doctor within two
business days following the date we receive your recording.
Cardiac event study results are usually sent the next business day
following the date the recording is transmitted to us. If your doctor
requests a cardiologist interpretation, your doctor will not receive a
final report until several business days after the interpretation is completed.
Q: What if I run out of
electrodes?
If you are using one of our monitors and you need
additional electrodes, please call us at 971 236-9175 or 800 574-1395.
Q: What if my electrodes
fall off and/or my wires become disconnected?
If
you have a Holter monitor and your wires become disconnected or your
electrodes fall off, reconnect or apply them to their original positions as
soon as possible. Please click here
to see a diagram of the placement of your electrodes. If you are wearing an event monitor and this
occurs, reapply new electrodes and attach the wires to their previous
positions. If you have any questions regarding the placements of
the wires and/or electrodes, give us a call.
If your question was not answered here, please call us at 971
236-9175 or 800 574-1395.
