Heart Monitoring

Holter Monitoring
(601) 703-9694

Ambulatory electrocardiography, commonly called Holter Monitoring, is a continuous recording of heart activity as the patient follows a normal routine. This test is usually performed for a 24-hour period while the patient wears a small recorder connected to skin electrodes placed on the chest. A diary is kept of the individual's daily activities and any associated symptoms. At the end of a recording period the tape is analyzed for electrical irregularities and correlated with any abnormal findings in the events recorded in the diary. Ambulatory electrocardiography can detect sporadic problems missed by a single EKG.

Reasons for the test:

  • To detect any abnormalities of the heart
  • To evaluate chest pain
  • To monitor effectiveness of medications
  • To correlate symptoms with the EKG

About the exam:

  • The sites for the electrodes will be shaved, cleaned, and dried
  • Do not sleep under an electric blanket
  • You will not be able to bathe or shower while wearing the monitor

For more information about Holter Monitoring, call the EKG Department at (601) 703-9694.

Event Monitoring

An event monitor is a patient activated recorder designed for diagnostic evaluation of symptoms like dizziness, palpitations, and chest pain. It provides a practical, convenient means of collecting diagnostic ECG's over an extended period for patients with cardiac arrhythmia symptoms.

How an Event Monitor works:

When the patient feels a symptom, a single push of the button stores the ECG readings for a window of time surrounding the event. The individual will be given a diary to write down symptoms every time the button is pushed. The event monitor can store up to 10 events. The patient will be asked to return to the hospital/clinic in one week to have the batteries changed and the data collected from the monitor. Proper electrode placement will be demonstrated. and a supply of electrodes will be given to the individual to change as needed.

For more information on Event Monitoring, contact the EKG Department at (601) 703-9694