About this topic
Your heart has an electrical system that controls each heartbeat. The signal starts at the top of the heart and moves to the bottom. This signal tells your heart to squeeze and pump blood. The signal repeats with each heartbeat. Sometimes, the signal is not normal. Then, your heart may not beat normally and you may have a heart problem. ‚
To look at your hearts electrical activity over time, your doctor wants you to wear a heart monitor. Thin wires go from the monitor to small sticky patches on your chest. The monitor picks up your heartbeat and records it. This test helps your doctor learn about your heart and any problems you may have. You may wear this monitor for 24 hours or longer when doing your normal activities. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- While you wear the monitor, keep a diary. Write down all the activities you do. You may be asked to record when you eat, sleep, exercise, pass urine, or have a bowel movement. Also list any signs you have. Write down the time and what your signs were. Include things like chest pain, sweating, dizziness, trouble breathing, or anything unusual. Note how long the signs lasted. The doctor will compare this diary to your heart recording. This will help the doctor decide if there are problems with your heart.
- The monitor is often placed in a pouch with a shoulder strap. This way you will be able to carry it easily. Keep the monitor close to your body. Sleep on your back with the monitor at your side. If the wire or patches comes loose, a light will flash on the monitor. Ask your doctor what you need to do if this happens.
- Ask your doctor if you need to take extra care while wearing your monitor. Ask if anything will interfere with the recording.
- Be sure to keep the monitor and your chest dry. Wear a loose shirt. Do not wear jewelry or clothing with metals that could interfere with the monitor.
What follow-up care is needed?
You will need to return the monitor and diary to your doctor. The monitor, wires, and patches will be removed. ‚
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Ask your doctor when you will talk about the test results. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Continue your normal activity while you wear this monitor. You may have some problems sleeping with the monitor close to your body. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Record your activities and any signs in detail. This will help the results to have the most meaning possible.
- If the wires and patches come off your chest and are not put back in the right places, the results may not be as accurate.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to keep a diary while wearing the monitor.
- I can tell you what I will do if the wires or patches come loose.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have signs of a heart attack.
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Association ‚
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/SymptomsDiagnosisMonitoringofArrhythmia/Common-Tests-for-Arrhythmia_UCM_301988_Article.jsp#.TzN7aFv3RGx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚