Heart Monitoring

What is Heart Monitoring?

A heart monitor records your heart rhythm when your heart has an unexplained stroke or arrhythmia. The monitoring helps the physician identify and capture irregular heartbeats and then decide on proper treatment.

There are various heart monitoring systems. Holter, Event, and MCOT are cardiac monitors that gain specific information. The type of monitor you use will depend on its durability and how much information it must provide.

Holter Monitor

A Holter Monitor is a wearable heart monitoring system used to track your heartbeat for 1 or 2 days as per your physician’s advice. The device is attached to your body with small patches (electrodes) that stick to the skin on the chest and abdomen. The electrodes will monitor and record your heart's electrical activity by connecting to an ECG machine.

What is the purpose of the Holter Monitor?

In case the physician does not get the necessary information after using a traditional ECG, the Holter monitor is suggested. The purpose of this device is:

• To capture irregular heartbeat

• Assess unexplained stroke, dizziness, shortness of breath, or tiredness

• Learn the risk of heart disease

• To see the functioning of the pacemaker

What are the risks of a Holter Monitor?

The risks of the Holter monitor are minimal, as it is a painless method used to monitor the heart's functioning. You may feel some slight discomfort where the electrodes are placed

What are the preparations needed for a Holter Monitor?

Holder monitor is an electronic device; hence do not get it wet. You shouldn't swim or bathe while the monitor is on you. In the case of a wireless monitor, you can disconnect and connect the sensors.

In order to prepare for having a holter monitor, you should avoid coming within about three feet of certain electrical appliances like microwave ovens, electric toothbrushes, razors, magnets, metal detectors, etc. This will help ensure that your monitor is able to read properly

Some other preparation tips for using the Holter monitor include:

• Avoid smoking during monitoring

• Bathe before the appointment. Many monitors cannot be removed once it is set, and they cannot be wet

• The physician will give the instructions on how to wear it and continue your day.

Event Monitor

An event monitor is a device that records your heart's electrical activity, similar to an electrocardiogram (ECG). Unlike an ECG, you wear the event monitor for only 30 days; however, it does not record continuously.

When you experience a symptom, you must manually activate the monitor. On the other hand, some devices can detect abnormal heart rhythm automatically and start recording your heart's electrical activity.

There are two main types of event monitors:

• Symptom Event Monitor is a device that you need to activate when there is a symptom. It records the heart's electrical signal for a few minutes

• Memory Looping Monitor is a device that, once you activate, will record the heart's electrical signal a few minutes before the activation, then during the symptom, and a few minutes after.

What is the need for an Event Monitor?

Even if your ECG looks normal, it's important to note that there can be underlying causes for the abnormal heartbeats. The event monitor reading will help the physician pick up on these symptoms when they arise so that you can receive proper treatment.

A few other advantages of using an event monitor are:

• Evaluate the symptoms like dizziness, chest, and palpitations

• To see if the pacemaker or medicines are working properly

• To monitor the heartbeat and its pace.

• Monitor a patient recovering from a heart attack

What are the risks of an Event Monitor?

Fixing up an event monitor is painless and risk-free. The only side effect rarely occurs is the slight temporary discomfort while wearing the electrodes.

What are the preparations for an Event Monitor?

Some tips on preparation you must keep in mind are

• Your skin must be clean and free of oil, cream or sweat before putting the patches

• Avoid electrical devices that may hinder the monitor's reading.

• Inform your physician of your allergies

• Follow exercise instructions, as sweating can cause the patches to come off.

• Keep a record while wearing the monitor to note down any symptoms you may have come across

• Learn to transfer the Monitor reading over the telephone

MCOT Monitors

Mobile Cardiac Telemetry (MCT or MCOT) is a progressive cardiac monitoring device that allows you to keep tabs on a patient's heart rhythm at all times. It works by automatically monitoring, recording, and transmitting the abnormal heart rhythm for 24 hours up to 30 days.

The MCOT monitor does not require any patient involvement. It detects and transmits heart rhythms to a remote monitoring site, where a physician assesses them. This automated monitor system allows for more efficient care because abnormal rhythms are detected as they occur.

What is the need for MCOT Monitor?

MCOT Monitor is one of the advanced heart monitoring systems that can detect arrhythmias and diagnose symptoms. Its efficiency provides high-quality service, through which physicians can assess specifications such as:

• Palpitations

• Chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath

• Monitor non-life-threatening arrhythmias

• Recovery from cardiac surgery

• Evaluating the efficiency of medicines

What are the risks of MCOT Monitor?

Do not use an MCOT monitor on a patient with life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms. They must be under in-patient monitoring. Avoid proximity with specific electronic devices while reducing the risk of altered results. Your physician will provide further instructions on how to use the device safely.

What are the preparations necessary for MCOT Monitor?

The MCOT monitor requires proper preparation of the area, proper placement of electrodes and leads (connection of electrodes to the telemetry unit), equipment maintenance, and education about its operation.

A few attributes that you must follow are:

• Clean the skin with soap, water, and then an alcohol swab before placing the monitor

• Maintain the battery status on the device

• Daily assessment of the skill is important