If you have ever experienced heart palpitations or shortness of breath, you've likely considered the possibilities of these symptoms. If you visited a doctor concerning these symptoms, he likely performed an in-office EKG, or electrocardiogram. In minutes, this test monitors the electrical activity flowing through your heart, according the American Heart Association. Occasionally, these tests do not provide enough information and your doctor may recommend the use of a heart monitor, or portable EKG machine.
Features
Heart monitors, or event monitors, are used for a variety of reasons. Your in-office EKG may be normal despite your symptoms of heart-related problems, including shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, or fainting. Using the monitor can help your doctor see how your heart is performing over an extended period of time. Heart monitors may also be used to monitor the function of implanted pacemakers, or evaluate the use of certain therapies for ongoing heart problems. Your doctor may also order a Holter monitor if you have certain heart conditions that increase your risk of an abnormal heart rhythm, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Function
Heart monitors are used to record the electrical activity in your heart. Generally, sensors are attached to your chest with sticky patches. It is important to have a clean chest, free of oils and hair to ensure a good stick. The monitor will record the activity. The information will provide your doctor with a report similar to an EKG. It is important to also keep a log of your symptoms during the monitoring period so that your doctor can compare the report to your log. Your doctor will then be able to determine if specific activities are difficult for your heart to handle.
Types
There are two types of heart monitors, and the one that your physician uses depends on your symptoms and problem. The first type is the Holter monitor, which is generally used for a brief period, usually 24 to 48 hours and continuously records the heart activity. After this time, you must return the monitor to your doctor for a reading. Occasionally, this time period is too short to capture a heart event and a wireless Holter monitor is prescribed. These monitors can be used for several days, or even weeks, until symptoms occur. They use wireless cellular technology to send their data to your doctor. The second type of monitor is the event monitor. These are slightly smaller than Holter monitors because they don't need to store as much data. For many event monitors, you need to start the monitor when you feel symptoms. Some event monitors start automatically if they detect abnormal heart rhythms. There are various types of event monitors including autodetect recorders, which function similarly to Holter monitors; you do not have to start the monitoring, it starts automatically when it detects abnormal heart rhythms. Implantable recorders are a type of event monitor placed under the skin and generally programmed to start during an event.
Considerations
Both Holter and event heart monitors can be effected by commonly used items. Cell phones and MP3 players, like iPods, can interfere with the monitoring device, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. They recommend keeping all electronic devices at least six inches away from the monitor. Everyday use items can also interfere with the signal between the sensors and the monitor. Magnets, hair dryers, microwave ovens, electric blankets, electric toothbrushes, and electric shavers should all be avoided during the monitoring period. You should also avoid areas near high voltage.
Risks
The risks of using a Holter or event heart monitor are low and are considered rare. Some skin irritation or breakdown may occur at the site of the electrodes if used for an extended period of time, according to Stanford Hospital. These devices do not carry a risk of electric shock because they do not transmit electricity.
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