7 Day Holter Monitor
A Holter monitor, or Ambulatory ECG, is a device that continuously monitors the heart’s rhythm over a prolonged period, and is typically used to diagnose heart conditions which occur intermittently. As such, the longer this heart monitoring device is fitted, the more useful the data becomes, as it is more likely to capture changes in the heart’s rhythm at the time of any symptoms.
Our 7-Day Holter Monitor tests are undertaken by experienced and skilled Doctors – discover more about this procedure and what to expect when visiting an EchoMed clinic below.
What is a 7-day Holter heart monitor test?
A 7-day heart monitor, also known as an ambulatory ECG, is a continuous recording of the heart’s rhythm over a prolonged period, helping to diagnose heart issues and monitor the heart during your daily activities.
While a Holter heart monitor does not obtain as detailed electrical information as a 12 lead electrocardiogram, Holters can remain in place for several days, usually applied for either 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, or 7 days. The longer the duration an ambulatory ECG is fitted, the more likely it is to document changes in the heart’s rhythm at the time of any symptoms.
What happens during a 7-day Holter monitor test?
A Holter heart monitor (or ambulatory ECG) is a non-invasive and painless device that measures and records heartbeats.
When choosing EchoMed for your ambulatory ECG, a discreet, waterproof monitor will be attached to your skin in the middle of your chest. During the fitting, chest hair may require shaving and the skin washed by our Doctor to ensure good adhesion. Once in place, the device will start monitoring the heart rhythm instantly, and will automatically record a full 7 days of continuous cardiac activity.
There are no specific requirements or preparations required for this procedure, meaning you may eat, drink, and take any regular medications as usual.
The EchoMed Experience
Our patch Holter monitors start recording the heart rhythm immediately, analysing your heartbeat continuously for 7 days. In the event of any symptoms, such as dizzy spells or palpitations, patients may press the symptom activator button on the front of the monitor to highlight these episodes to their Doctor.
Patients will also be supplied with a diary to describe particular symptoms or associated triggers.
Our monitors are splash-proof and can be worn in the shower (although they should not be fully submerged in water) allowing patients to continue their usual activities while the monitor is in situ, including exercise.
At the end of the recording period, the Holter can be detached by the patients themselves and posted back in the pre-paid envelope supplied. Patients will receive their results within 24 hours of receipt. Your EchoMed Doctor will call you to discuss the results, as well as email the report to yourself and your GP, along with an letter explaining any recommendations for follow-up investigations or treatment.
If preferred, we also provide a Holter at Home Service where a Holter can be posted to your home address, fitted with remote support from a Physiologist, and complemented by a video consultation with a Doctor, eliminating the need for an in-person clinic attendance.
What does a Holter Monitor test for?
A Holter monitor or ambulatory ECG may demonstrate evidence of arrhythmia, including:
- Skipped heartbeats, such as Ventricular Ectopics.
- Irregular heartbeats, such as Atrial Fibrillation.
- Sustained, rapid heart rhythms, such as Supraventricular or Ventricular Tachycardia.
- Periods of an abnormally slow rhythm, such as Sinus Bradycardia or complete heart block.
The monitor will also examine heart rate variability; failure of the heart rate to increase during exertion is a common cause of fatigue, which in many cases, can be corrected by implanting a pacemaker. By contrast, some patients experience abnormally wide fluctuations in heart rate, which is a characteristic of Autonomic Dysfunction, which includes conditions such as POTS and Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia.
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The next steps after your heart monitor test
After returning the monitor to us by post, your Heart Specialist will contact you by phone to discuss your results. If the results show abnormalities and further investigation or treatment is required, we can help arrange this for you via your NHS GP or privately if preferred.
Book an appointment
In just a few clicks, you can arrange an appointment that suits you. Book with EchoMed today. Whether you are concerned about unexplained symptoms, or simply wish to exclude any problems which may cause trouble later in life, our scans can help.
How To Find Us
Our Surrey Hills (Farnham) clinic is conveniently located just off the A31. We are situated inside the Carlton Yard Clinic (postcode: GU9 7RD), which can be accessed on foot off the southwest corner of Farnham Central Car Park.
From the car park, you will see a selection of signs attached to the exterior wall of the Carlton Yard Clinic (including ‘EchoMed: The Cardiac Ultrasound Clinic’). Walk around the left-hand side of this building, turn right in front of The Silver Sea restaurant, and continue through an archway with a metal gate. This gate is usually open – if not, please buzz the intercom and our team will assist you. The wooden door to the Carlton Yard Clinic is through this arch and immediately on the right.
Our South Coast (Emsworth) clinic is within minutes of the A27. We are situated on the ground floor of the Hampshire Health building (97 Havant Road, postcode: PO10 7LF), which offers free parking to the rear. On arrival, our receptionists will show you to the waiting area.
If you have any issues finding either of our clinics, please call 0333 444 3246 for assistance.
EchoMed: SOUTH COAST CLINIC
Hampshire Health
97 Havant Road, Emsworth
PO10 7LF
EchoMed: SURREY HILLS CLINIC
The Carlton Yard Clinic, Unit 1, Carlton Yd,
Victoria Rd, Farnham
GU9 7RD
0333 444 3246
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