
This procedure can also provoke unpredictable arrhythmias for diagnosis. The catheter’s proximity to the heart allows for more accurate results than a conventional EKG. The catheter’s lead performs an electrocardiogram (EKG). In this procedure, a thin, flexible catheter is inserted into your nostril and positioned in the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth and stomach). It can especially help trigger latent tachycardia (fast heart rate) or bradycardia (slow heart rate). This test can provoke known but infrequent arrhythmias, allowing them to be diagnosed. They record the heart’s electrical signals and “map” the path of electrical impulses during each heartbeat.

These electrode catheters are positioned in the atria, ventricles or both. In this procedure, performed under local anesthesia, temporary electrode catheters are threaded through peripheral veins (or arteries) into the heart using a fluoroscope. Electrophysiologic testing (EP study)Įlectrophysiologic testing, sometimes called an EP study, can reveal suspected arrhythmias. If the cause of the fainting spells is discovered, medications can be supplied through an intravenous line to help prevent the episodes. An intravenous line (a small plastic tube in a vein) may also be started before the test. In this test, a catheter may be placed in an artery to monitor blood pressure from within the blood vessel. It reveals how your heart rate and blood pressure respond when changing positions from lying down to standing up. Tilt-table testĪ tilt-table test, also called a tilt test, may be suggested if you’ve suffered fainting spells.

This can provoke an arrhythmia, allowing your doctor to study the abnormal heartbeat. In a treadmill test, you walk or run on a treadmill or ride a stationary bicycle while your heart rate and rhythm are monitored. Treadmill testingĪ treadmill test, sometimes called a stress test or an exercise stress test, can help diagnose people whose suspected arrhythmias are exercise-related. Learn more about cardiac event recorders. You can then transmit the results to your doctor to be analyzed. The data about your heart’s electrical system are recorded and stored. Various kinds of event monitors attach with bracelets, finger clips or patches worn under the arms for a month or two. Event recorderįor suspected arrhythmias that occur infrequently or pass quickly, your doctor might suggest that you wear an event recorder. Later, the Holter monitor results can be compared to your daily log to see how your activities or symptoms correspond to your measured heart rhythm.ĭownload our printable Holter monitor diary (PDF). Your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of your activities and symptoms. This gives doctors a “movie” of the heart’s electrical activity, as opposed to the much shorter glimpse provided by an EKG. Holter monitors can record 24 hours or more of continuous electrocardiographic signals.

Heart monitor sound portable#
You can think of a Holter monitor (or continuous ambulatory electrocardiographic monitor) as a small, portable electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) recorder.

Several tests can help your doctor diagnose an arrhythmia and monitor the effectiveness of your treatment. National Hypertension Control Initiative.Pets and Your Health / Healthy Bond for Life.
