Heart Monitoring
Heart monitoring typically involves using devices to track and record the heart's electrical activity. It may be done for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, such as to diagnose an irregular heartbeat or to monitor the effectiveness of a medication or treatment.
Some standard methods of heart monitoring include:
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This is a non-invasive test that uses electrodes placed on the skin to measure the heart's electrical activity and create a visual representation of the heart's rhythm.
Holter monitor: This portable device, worn by the patient for 24-48 hours, continuously records the heart's electrical activity.
Event recorder: This device is used when symptoms of an irregular heartbeat are infrequent. The patient is instructed to activate the device when symptoms occur.
Implantable loop recorder: This is a small device implanted under the chest's skin to continuously monitor the heart's electrical activity for up to three years.
Depending on the patient's symptoms and medical history, heart monitoring may also include other tests, such as a stress test or echocardiogram. The results of heart monitoring can help healthcare providers diagnose and treat a range of heart conditions, including arrhythmias, heart disease, and heart attacks.