What is a Holter Monitor?
A Holter monitor is a battery operated wearable monitor that continuously records the electrical heart tracings (known as EKG’s) over 24-48 hours. The Holter monitor can be worn throughout normal daily activities. The Holter monitor test is useful in picking up heart rhythm problems. In medical terms we call Holter monitoring a form of ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring. Modern Holter monitors are small and easily wearable. Usually there will be 2-3 leads attached to the chest wall by stickers. After the wearing period is over your cardiologist reviews the tracings.
When is Holter Monitoring Used?
The most common reason is palpitations. This would include sensations of skipped and extra heartbeats such as PVC’s. Another common reason is syncope, which basically means passing out. Other reasons may include monitoring heart rate to see if it is too fast (such as afib with rvr) or too slow, or to see if ongoing treatments for heart rate are effective.
Some people may have conditions such as heart block that can lead to a slow heart rate, dizziness and passing out. Some people may have uncontrolled fast heart rates from atrial fibrillation or other forms of arrhythmia. Holter monitors can be used to diagnose and characterize these disorders.
How is the Holter Monitor Put On and Worn?
A technician who will provide you with the instructions needed and will attach the Holter monitor. Firstly the leads are placed on the chest wall, attached by stickers. In some instances, for men, hair may need to be shaved off the chest to allow good electrode contact. The Holter monitor is typically carried in a pouch and worn across the shoulders.
Precautions to Take While Wearing the Holter Monitor
In general patients can go about their usual day-to-day activity. Of course those wearing the monitors cannon swim or shower. It is also advised to stay away from metal detectors or large magnets.
Are Holter Monitors Dangerous?
No, they are not dangerous. There is a very small chance of skin irritation at the site that the electrodes are attached to the skin. Wearing the monitor may be inconvenient since there are leads attached and it is worn continuously, but it is not dangerous.
Holter Monitor Patient Diary
One of the most critical parts of the Holter monitor test is the patient diary. Patients are asked to keep a diary recording the timing and type of symptoms they have. These are then correlated with the tracings to see if symptoms and tracing abnormalities are related. One of the biggest issues with Holter monitoring is that patients often don’t keep an accurate diary that strongly limits interpretation of the monitor.
Holter Monitor Results
The Holter monitor will show the average heart rate, the fastest and the slowest heart rate. It will detect pauses and their length. It will catch fast heart rhythms and can often help to characterize them. Importantly the reading cardiologist will go through the patient diary and see if any heart tracing abnormalities were seen at the time symptoms were recorded
Do Holter Monitors Catch Everything?
Of course the monitor can only catch something if it occurs during the period that it was worn within. For that reason, Holter monitors are typically best for those patients that have symptoms almost everyday. If symptoms are less frequent then the Holter monitor may not be as useful. Often however they are still used as the initial evaluation.
What If the Holter Monitor Doesn’t Catch the Problem?
The Holter monitor can only detect issues that occur during the monitoring period. Often people will use the Holter monitor initially as it makes more sense from a technical and cost perspective. If the symptoms are less frequent, a longer-term monitor is the next step. Some Holter type monitors can be worn for up to 14 days. If long term monitoring is desired then there are non-wired monitors that can be carried around and placed on the skin when symptoms occur. That is not continuous though and only record when the monitor is placed on the chest. More recently there has been increasing use of monitors placed under the skin that can record continuously for up to 2 years. The Holter monitor is often the initial step, but there are many options available.
h .monitor showed first degree av block with supraventricular ectopic beats
Very good for understanding, thanks
Very informative and helpful. Thank you.
ht holter monitorshowed first drgree av block withsupraventricular ectopic beats
Had same and was defined as benign. Unfortunately it is only a 20 sec test, and if the are continuous events ,as well as other potentially Dangerous Afib or A flutter stroke and clotting are potential possibilities. EKG and blood testing at emerg are for permanent conditions and paroxysmal event (intermittent) can be completely missed by EKG, Blood Test, Holter test, Echocardiogram, and even a stress test.
They can only identify and isolate for events present. To make matters worse,many events are normal in low quantities And potentially of more imminent danger if in couplets and runs. In addition, when holstered, if not identified by patient as well as Holter, will be ignored For treatment as benign….
My husband’s heart monitor showed that he had a heart rate of 820 during the night. Is that even possible? He said he slept well and felt nothing unusual. Could it be a monitor malfunction?
Its an error by the monitor and not possible.
Given the large amount of people we have been able to help here, we are starting a twitter to help keep heart patients up to date with advances and relevant information. Mine can be followed at @MustafaAhmedMD
Hi dr. Im having more frequent episodes where i feel like my breathing has been paralyzed in the diaphragm area…and as that happens my heart feels like it pounds out of my chest and i get disoriented and i feel like im gonna die. Its not an anxiety attack either. Could a holter monitor help?
I was transported by ambulance to the er and my heart showed no signs of damage . But bloodwork showed low thyroid levels. Could that be causing my symptoms?
Help!.. please. …and thank you.
I would certainly advise some form of monitoring to characterize the palpitations. Would also recommend an echocardiogram and some form of stress testing if indicated. The thyroid should certainly be treated.
Given the large amount of people we have been able to help here, we are starting a twitter to help keep heart patients up to date with advances and relevant information. Mine can be followed at @MustafaAhmedMD
Hi doctor on 16th I was sitting and my heart rate went to 139-147 I had a 24 hour heart monitor fitted they said that my heart was fine but on 16 got this above before hand I had driven 7 hours and had a double espresso then two hours before it happened I had a red bull
I have sleep apnea and Crohn’s disease. Always feel that I sleep well but always wake up tired. Feel fatigued all day long and get dizzy frequently. I’m only 75 but My dr. Tells me it’s part of old age.
Hello Sir
Do Holter Monitors Catch my voice while speaking?
I have the same exact thing! I’ve never heard anyone else describe it exactly as I would, I haven’t found the reason yet either. Following this to see if anyone has suggestions. It’s so scary, I literally feel like I’m about to die, just like you said. And it just happens randomly, no warning or anything. It’s been happening to me for maybe 7 years. I hope you find the answers you need, I definitely feel your pain.
I have the exact same symptoms…
Did you find out anything?
I also get episodes of my heart beating rapidly and have recently been told about SVT.
A faster than normal heart rate beginning above the heart’s two lower chambers.
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a rapid heartbeat that develops when the normal electrical impulses of the heart are disrupted.
Vagal Maneuvers can usually resolve the SVT.
1.Hold your breath and bear down (Valsalva maneuver).
2.Immersing your face in ice-cold water (diving reflex).
3.Coughing.
I get this too! Did you ever find out what was causing your episodes.
Hi im a 42 yr old female with that exact feeling however i started with only little twinges in both legs at once as im going to bed n reading so crazy i had heavy unusable legs ft ice cold blue ish purple white nails short if breath starts a wk later 2 wks go im in 2 er vists a dr apt and anxiety ur kidding me? I have major anxiety yup but i now cant sit up or i cant breath my head n face feel tons of pressure my pulse goes up n my feet n legs feel this pulsing but heavy dead weight feeling then i pass out before 2 min is up. I crawl to bathroom i almost pass out n lay down ft up n pray as this scary stuff had me say goodbye to my 11 yr old son! 3rd wk im my own dr n i believe its a severe form of pots syndrome as every symptom yes but they are not all new so i firmly believe this and called my dr asked them look into it as i dont play dr often i just KNOW my body and was scared these so called drs saw anxiety as only option n id die leave my son an orphan. Im wearing monitor now 24 hrs i should be in the hospt if i sit up this all happens n if i bend my knees this all and more happens? Donyoi have pots or something like this?
Hi i know this is random
I’m going through the exact same
Thing it’s been going on ten weeks now i was bed bound for 4 weeks cause every time i got up my heart would race and i couldn’t breath i have been rushed to hostpital 7 times with heart rates of nearly 200 and taken to cardiac arrest wards I’ve been told gerd, chest infection, pericarditis, coshinarditist, now they tried throwing anxiety i have told them where to go i tried taking anxiety medication it made me worse made my heart race i was taken back to hostpital cause the medication made my blood pressure drop very low and i collapsed, i was sent for a colonoscopy as i started bleeding from back end they taken 14 biopsy’s i wore a 24 hour ecg heart monitor 4 days ago awaiting onthese results I’m also waiting on ct chest scan! I struggle to breathe from morning to night this all came sudden one minute i had a common cold then next all this My chest feels so tight and my breathing is tight my oxygen levels are 100 percent which is strange i get this strange headache aswel with it and had pressure in my left eye 3 times during this and my left side went numb to the point i couldn’t speak my lips turned pale my body tingles a lot somtimes and my gp try say anxiety I’m
Sorry but. There is is more to it than anxiety i want to get dressed put my make up on and take my little girl out and get back to work i Work in a care home
And absolutely love my job I’ve been off for two months and it’s killing me not being my active self…,
Anyone eles had this or loosing there minds any doctors help or advice would be greatly appreciated Thankyou
Did you get a final diagnosis? I have the exact same symptoms and have been diagnosed with long QT
Did you get a diagnosis, I realize this was written a couple years ago but I have the exact same symptoms and as a result Dr ordered an EKG and found to be long QT as diagnosis.
There used to be a show on tv called “diagnose me” and I remember something similar to this in episode 4. About a doctor who became bedridden and had heavy legs and couldn’t walk sometimes. She couldn’t get answers but they finally diagnosed her. Maybe watch the show, google it. Episode 4
My monitor keeps beeping 10 times every so often what does this mean
My Response to
Elizabeth says ,May 17, 2017 at 2:19 am
Why not report this to your cardiologist clinic they are the best to answer. However am a patient who had TACHYCARDIA on ventricle so I am simply sharing the fact that my first episode before declaring as tachycardia had such large heart beat but little sugar shortage problem means energy less to do work. So I ran to clinic and for the first time they discovered my tachycardia. So my point here is if your heart beat is high immediately go to hospital. I have the graph of ECG (PQRS PLOT) it looks like as drew up and down with all 5 fingers UP and DOWN instead of a single sharp line up and down.
The heart rate may have been measured in milliseconds rather than bpm (beats per minute). An R-R interval of 820ms is around 73bpm.
I am a 61 year old. My name is Mike. I recently had a TIA in March and had an ct. MRI Mra ekg and echo cardio. My cardiologist has me wearing a Holtzer monitor for 30 days. My cholesterol was 236 but triglycerides were high as well as bad cholesterol. Good cholesterol was low. I have completely changer my diet. I eat very healthy now. I do take 10 mg of Lipitor as since my levels are wihin normal ranges. I do have some general anxiety. Where do I stand? I appreciate any input. Very nervous about this whole episode. Thoughts please
The holter monitor is likely to rule out an irregular heart beat associated with stroke known as atrial fibrillation. If it is found then you will be placed on a blood thinner. It is not common, but it is important to rule out in those that have had stroke or TIA.
Given the large amount of people we have been able to help here, we are starting a twitter to help keep heart patients up to date with advances and relevant information. Mine can be followed at @MustafaAhmedMD
I have been having more and more palpitations and headaches for the past week. I have 2 leaky valves and have been recording my ecg on my watch. 2 weeks in scheduled to wear a holster. Could I be getting worse and that’s why I’m feeling so tired all the time? Or what??
Hello I have tobwear a heart moniter 24 hrs,when fitted was 11 on screen ,seems to have risen to 20 over last 8 hrs should I be worried? Or is this normal
I am wearing a Holter heart monitor due to having some odd flutterings and missed beats that my doctor wants to see. Question: why does the monitor keep flashing the time? Is it recording an event when it does that? Seems odd and I am a bit distracted by seeing it tell me the time over and over again.
What is the make of monitor and what type of monitor is it (day, week, monthly etc?)
3 day test. All I can see is it says Midmark on it. When I google Midmark the one that shows up as theMidmark IQHolter looks like it. White with blue .
What were your results as I have this
I am an AFib patient that had an ablation 3 days ago. I am having trouble when walking, I get short of breath and have to stand still to catch my breath. I have a heart monitor for a total of 30 days. When I was having trouble earlier today I called the company and they told me the monitor had not transmitted anything since 6/27/21 and today is 7/4/21. I thought this is a long time. The company told me they will get all the data when they get the monitor back or drive into the center of town where the cell phone towers are better. Why? If I am having trouble they are to get in touch with me and tell me if I must go to the emergency dept. or not and if they haven’t gotten the transmission this is crazy. I realize they are not my doctor, but if I am to be monitored for 30 days and they are not getting the data this is crazy. I can’t wear the monitor 24 hours a day because I have to take it off to charge it.
I feel like this is not an accurate test so why am I doing it?
Hi. I had a tia stroke nov 2016. In the hospital 3 days and nights. Doctors gave me all the tests and the were normal. But, My cardiologist wants me to wear a heart monitor for 6 weeks. Why is this?
I would think it is to rule out atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder that can be associated with TIA and stroke.
Given the large amount of people we have been able to help here, we are starting a twitter to help keep heart patients up to date with advances and relevant information. Mine can be followed at @MustafaAhmedMD
I have a heart monitor on for three days now and the red light is blinking does that mean that the tape is finish
I am a 53YO otherwise healthy F who had an episode of severe chest pain lasting about 2-3 hours, with development of sweating, nausea and dizziness about two hours in. When I became nauseous I went in the bathroom and upon looking in the mirror observed that I was a scary shade of gray (i.e., I looked dead). I became very dizzy and sat down, and after an unclear period of time (about an hour) it passed. I was out of town at the time so didn’t do anything about it, but was exhausted afterward.
When I saw my physician about 10 days later, upon returning home, an ECG apparently had no abnormalities (QTc was 436ms), but a 48hr holter showed the results pasted below. A stress test has been ordered but not yet scheduled (in spite of numerous attempts). Mild occasional chest pressure (not sure it is severe enough to call it pain so I have not gone to the ER) has occurred since. Any information, advice, or suggestions are much appreciated.
Holter results:
1. Analyzed 43:43 hours.
2. Holter study demonstrated normal sinus rhythm with the heart rate range of 47 bpm to 140 bpm and the average heart rate was 77 bpm.
There were no pauses seen.
3. There were 251 isolated PACs, 2 atrial couplets and 4 runs of SVT. The longest run of SVT was 7 beats and the fastest run was at 163
bpm.
4. There were 412 isolated polymorphic PVCs, 37 runs of ventricular bigeminy and 5 runs of ventricular quadrigeminy.
5. There were 5 diary entries with the symptoms of fatigue, SOB, mild chest pain and hard to breathe. There were no ST changes with the
symptoms of chest pain. 3 patient activations were recorded without symptoms.
One diary entry and patient activation recorded leads off. Rare isolated PACs and PVCs correlated with diary and activations.
6. The monitor quality was poor.
There are no stand out alarm findings on this monitor. You have findings that may be fairly common such as extra beats. The diary did not show a correlation between symptoms and any significant abnormality. An echocardiogram and a stress test are reasonable next steps.
If you are interested in cutting edge information and therapy for heart disease then follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Where do the results get read and how long do they take to get read. My daughter had hers on on 28 December 2017, still no results. GP says they go to South Africa to be read…can’t believe it!!!!
Hi I wore a heart monitor for 2 weeks. My heart dr said I had 300 episodes of atrial fibrillation. He did not order labs but prescribed potassium, 20-something, with 6 refills. My GI dr did prescribe labs thankfully. My PCP said I did not have atrial fibrillation. I feel my confidence is lacking with my heart dr. Any thoughts?? I have had a colectomy so I do go a lot but my labs were all normal. …..
Seek a second opinion, or see the original heat doctor and ask for an explanation of results and the discrepancy in the readings from the monitor.
If you are interested in cutting edge information and therapy for heart disease then follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
I have had a small blockage in my heart so the dr put a stent in my arm I’m on heart rate pills blood thinner aspirin and plavix when I was some time I feel like I’m going to just pass out. I’m scared I have two small kids and don’t want to leave them. Please help me before it’s too late
I am wearing irythem technology (a heart monitor) for 14 days, do you know any company or stores that i can go to that can project and the results from the monitor besides the company themselves.
Hi Doctor! My Mother past away two weeks ago in her sleep. She was under the care of a cardiologist. She had been complaining of heart palpations, shortness of breath, fatigue and chest pains. Her primary doctor put in the cause of death as presumed dysrhythmia due to supraventricular tachycardia. I am confused becauae I didnt think you can die from those conditions. She wore a holter monitor for 5 days. The nurse told me that she only had 7 small episodes while wearing it. And didnt feel the result were alarming. She was meant to have some other test but died before having them. I cant help to wonder, given her age, she was 67, and her symptoms that the doctor could have prescribe a beta blocker or even a asprin. I feel the doctors were not making her heart a priority and I feel they could have speed the process up on testing, oppose to making her wait for a diagnosis for two months. It took so long getting in to see the cardiologist, she was scheduled a follow up visit 2 weeks later, but the doctor moved her appointment by 3 weeks later . She died waiting for that appointment.
I am 36 years old and had several series of palpitations. The first time I went to the ED they hooked me on an ekg, these were the findings:
— Internentricular conduction delay, non specific ekg – IRBBB
Then my palpitations would happen on several occassions so my doctor decided to put me on Holter Monitor for 3 days. But my PCP thinks it is anxiety so he gave me Xanax. The results of the HM testing below say:
-Ectopic supraventicular activity consisted of occasional single premature atrial beats No SVT was noticed
– Ventricular ectopy activity consisted of occasional PVC’s. No ventricular tachycardia was noticed
– No significant pauses were noticed
– No significant ST segment shift was noticed
Could you please explain what those mean. Also, can a Holter monitor or ekg detect coronary artery occulusoon or blockage? Thanks
The monitors are not currently designed to be specific for the detection of blockage in the arteries however they are effective at characterizing hearth rhythms. In your case the reading does not show anything dangerous or concerning.
If you are interested in information and therapy for heart disease then feel free to follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Thank you Dr. Ahmed
Thank you for answering my questions Dr. Ahmed. I already followed you on Twitter.
Hi my name is Katrina I am 38. I have DDD, cervical and spinal, stenosis and told rheumatoid arthritis markers, hypocalcemia plus other issues and a relatively faster than average heart beat even when I was younger and very active. I am a CNA and have worked this for a bit but until I was being weaned off gabapentin I had no issues with my heart. Although my father has CHF (congestive) and my aunt does as well. I mentioned to my doctor about my increased heart rate hitting 140 standing still then dropping to 92 which is where it is a lot. But my heart has felt as if it was jumping out of my chest. My blood pressure at beginning of docs appt is 140 to 145 over 90 to 96. Near end 102 to 106 over 62 To 66. Doc wants me to wear a holter monitor. I know it’s important for heart health and such but it’s kind of scary she says it’s just to have a baseline for later if I have problems down the road. Not sure if she is overreacting. Hope to God so.
Hello Dr. I have recently started to experience fast heart beating especially with activities and sometimes without. Many blood work have been done and came back negative, stress test normal, Echo has minors issues as explained (Mitral valve leaflets are mildly thickened and Trace tricuspid regurgitation present), holtor monitor only showed 7 extra beats in the upper chamber and was told it is very normal, 2 X-rays and 3 ECG showed normal results as well within the last two months.
However, I have been experiencing some palpitation and after a short exercise I would feel lightheaded and need rest right away. I had a lout of fluids and I tried many things.
Some tests were performed at the ER since I went there on a panic attack experience.
Now, I really don’t know what to do more? I want to make sure of my heart health and if possibly I could be having AFIB or some other issues that can cause a serious and sudden issues. It is keeping me worried. Please let me know what is your advise and what would be all the tests possible to make sure of the heart health %100?
Thank you!
Mo
The good news is that the testing has turned out reassuring so far. My next advice would be to go see a cardiologist as an outpatient basis. A treadmill exercise test may be a good place to start since many of the symptoms seem to appear after a short exercise.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
If you are interested in information and therapy for heart disease then feel free to follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Hi! Not sure if you have found a diagnosis by now, but to anyone with palpitations, lightheadedness and exercise intolerance: I would highly suggest a POTS evaluation from a cardiologist 😊
My 3 month old son recently wore a Holter monitor for 24 hours and the cardiologist provided an email with the results. Can you tell me what 30 runs of non sustained atrial tachycardia means? Is this a large amount of atrial tachycardia? Thank you
My 3 month old son recently wore a holter monitor for 24 hours. I just read the results and am a little confused on the terminology. Can you tell me what 30 runs of non sustained atrial tachycardia means. Is this a large amount of tachycardia? Thank you
My 3 month old son recently wore a holter monitor for 24 hours. I just read the results and am a little confused on the terminology. Can you tell me what 30 runs of non sustained atrial tachycardia means. Is this a large amount of tachycardia? Thank you
I wore a holter monitor, once in June 2017 and now I August 2017. THe reason in August so soon after June was I was put on some GI medicine and felt like I was having palpitations and I started getting super anxiety. Can you help with my results? I have LBBB, but structure is fine and EF is 43%. Please help as doc just shrugged it off and stated your heart is good, but need to get your anxiety under control now.
June 2017:
221252 QRS Complexes
10 Ventricular ectopics 0 couplets 0 runs
9 supraventricular ectopics 0 couplets 0 runs
18297 beats in tachycardia ( I went to the gym twice in two days)
28356 beats in bradycardia
1.39 seconds Max R-R 5:31 a.m.
45 MIN
75AVG
133MAX
August 2017:
172800 QRS Complexes
15 Ventricular ectopics 0 couplets 5 longest number of beats
740 supraventricular ectopics 0 couplets 37 longest number of beats
6.453 seconds Max R-R
28 MIN
62AVG
144MAX
(I went to the gym twice this time as well and my lead fell off one time for about 30 seconds and I got it all back on)
To be useful, the times that you went to the gym and the times you were in tachycardia should be recorded in a diary and seen to correlate with the tachycardia periods. The referring dr should be able to look at the episodes and reassure you. What it the heart function on the echo? If you have left bundle branch block, some form of stress testing is generally advised particularly if the heart function is low.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
EF on echo was 45-50
Gym times were noted
Treadmill stress in June fine, but the last two months is when all the changes.
These episodes are constantly coming on several times a day.
I just can’t understand why so many now. I did have an EGD in August and since that day things have spiraled downhill. (My pressures dropped during EGD but medicine brought them back, other than that, they dilated esophagus said all good)
I appreciate your time and will follow your twitter. Thank you sir
740 supra ventricular beats
Longest run # 37
15 ventricular beat
Longest run 5
172800 qrs complexes
Results:Normal sinus rhythm and left bundle branch morphology
Highest HR 144
Lowest 28
Average 62
Doc says no concern. I feel palpitations and flutters sometimes and it’s uncomfortable especially during workouts. He says my new found anxiety is causing a lot of it as I don’t drink alot of alcohol, barely any caffeine (a diet soda a day), no meds, not overweight and heart structure is normal.
Should I be concerned? Worried? Try another doc? Trying to be calm. My first holter I only had 10 ventricular and 9 supra ventricular. That was 2 months ago. What a big change.
If you are concerned still see a cardiologist. if the cardiologist has reviewed the strip as described and isn’t concerned then you can likely be reassured particularly if other testing such as echo is normal.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
I type this as I was admitted to the hospital today for Constant palpitations with heart rate shooting to 140-160 and then back to 80 and 10 mi n utes later back up. My resting heart rate is 60s. I’m going crazy, feeling like it’s all getting out of control
Did you ever find out what was going on Steve? I am suffering with very similar circumstances now.
My holter monitor showed
241029 Total QRS Complexes
162 Venteicular ectopics 150 isolated 6 in bigeminal cycle and 6 couplets
231 Supraventricylar ectopics
Max heart rate 154 at exercise
Min was 55
But what’s concerning is 8 episodes of ST depression of channel 1
3 episodes of max -4.mm of channel 2
2 episodes max-3.6 in channel 3
I had no ST elevation.
I’m 25 and my cardiologist said my holter monitor was normal but the ST depression is concerning me
ST depression on the holter monitor is not a sensitive finding and no conclusions can be drawn.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
My 48 hour holter monitor showed
241029 Total QRS Complexes
162 Venteicular ectopics 150 isolated 6 in bigeminal cycle and 6 couplets
231 Supraventricylar ectopics
Max heart rate 154 at exercise
Min was 55
But what’s concerning is 8 episodes of ST depression of channel 1
3 episodes of max -4.mm of channel 2
2 episodes max-3.6 in channel 3
I had no ST elevation.
I’m 25 and my cardiologist said my holter monitor was normal but the ST depression is concerning me
I am a 68 year old female with moderate aortic regurgitation. Episodes of feeling dizzy and lightheadedness. Have bouts of extra beats as evidenced by holter monitor. I am very scared to the point of not seeing the doctor at all. Doctor wants to discuss in detail. Could this be nothing at all??
There are many causes of dizziness. In terms of aortic regurgitation its reasonable to evaluate and ensure it isn’t severe and also that other structures in the heart are normal. I wouldn’t be scared of seeing the Dr if i were you. The work up and evaluation for dizziness is basically non invasive and can potentially find a cause for your symptoms and improve your quality of life if treated. If indeed you only have moderate aortic insufficiency then no intervention on the valve is indicated at that point so don’t worry.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
I have a question in regards to a holter monitor but not sure if this is the right place to post but here goes. My mother whom had heart surgery had to wear a holter monitor afterwards for a period of 2 weeks. Is this something that needs to be done every six months or yearly? Or is this monitor used when a problem is presenting itself? Please help if you know!
What was the reported reason for doing the monitor in the first place?
Hi Dr. Ahmed,
I am a 32 yo Female. I started having chest discomfort in May. Went to ED twice. They told me my EKG was normal both times. The first time, the Dr told me no heart murmur. The second time I went, the Dr told me I had a heart murmur, so not sure which is the truth. They each sent me on my way both times. Went to my PCP the next day and had blood work done (I believe he checked my thyroid but not cholesterol. Thyroid was normal he said), chest X-ray, and a chest CT with contrast (to rule out blood clot and aortic aneurysm). All came back Normal. My PCP told me I could see a cardiologist if I wanted to, but he believed it was anxiety-related. A month or so later, I began feeling flutters, or palpitations. I workout about five days a week, I have always been super active. I eat pretty healthy. I rarely drink, maybe a glass of wine at night one or two nights a week if that. I drink a cup of coffee each morning, that’s about it. Not sure what this could be or if anxiety could truly be the cause of my symptoms. Would you recommend seeing a cardiologist to ease my mind? Please help, as I’m worried there could be something wrong with my heart. Thank you in advance!
Good thing is that many immediately worrying causes of chest discomfort have been ruled out. I would recommend seeing a cardiologist to take a history, exam and reassure you the pain is not concerning. A holter monitor may also be used to characterize the heart rhythm and palpitations. Its worth getting checked out.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Hello, I am 61 and last March was admitted into the hospital with a spiked BP (216/199 chest upper arm and neck pain. I was given every test possible and nothing major turned up. Also had a stress test 1 week later. Now 10 months later after having a tooth extracted within 2 hours post I started having a sensation in my chest and front of neck which made me check my BP /normal, So then I checked my pulse which skipped about 13 beats in a minute. Waitd through the weekend to see my dr on Monday and he wanted to put me on a Holter monitor but there is a shortage and it is now Friday with no monitor. I continue these long episodes several hours. I now have fatique in my limbs and this happens after I have been mobile or working so I know it is exercise induced. If I sit idle eventually it subsides. Should I go to the ER or wait for my dr to find a monitor.
It is not possible to make emergent medical recommendations on the internet. If you are concerned please seek evaluation.
Hello! From Sept – January I experienced loss of vision in my left eye weekly (always sudden total vision loss for around 2 minutes and then it would piece back together over the next three minutes until my eyesight was back in my left eye). I wasn’t too concerned, it never felt scary but after mentioning it to an optician she made me go see a doctor. My GP’s first thought was that maybe I have a hole in the heart, she thought maybe she could hear a murmur when she listened to my heart. She ordered me to wear a holter monitor for 24 hours and the surgery called me to tell me that the holter didn’t show anything. My GP is away for the next two weeks so I will see her when she’s back but I’m just curious as to whether a holter monitor would always be able to detect a hole in the heart?
(I’ve also had blood test and a CTA, not just a Holter and it has only occurred once since taking low dosage aspirin daily and that was after I forgot it one time).
Thanks in advance
That symptom is concerning, you should see a neurologist, a monitor to rule out afib, exam and tests to rule out temporal arteritis and assessement of head and neck vasculature. An echocardiogram with bubble study would be needed to rule out hole in the heart.
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Just a few questions.. Do doctors report a report that is “without abnormalities” if they see pvcs that are rarely occurring? Do pvcs typically progressively get worse over the years? Is there a way to distinguish between pacs vs pvcs based on how it physically feels/sounds via stethoscope? Thanks.
Also, I don’t have a Twitter
Also, I never received a printout of a heart monitor report or results. Isn’t this odd?
PVC’s that are infrequent are considered a relatively normal finding and seen on most studies. No it is distinguished by looking at EKG patterns.
Hi There! I am a 48 year old female who had to wear a Holter monitor for 48 hrs. The report shows minimum heart beat of 38 and maximum of 134. I had 34 beats of ventricular ectopy and 203 beats of supraventricular ectopy. I had 4 runs of SVT with the longest run of 512,054 beats on day 1. What does this all mean?
It all looks pretty ok apart from the 512,054 beat run of svt, thats almost certainly an error.
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Thank you for your response. I re-looked at my report and it showed 512,054. Do you think the report is wrong? Or could my heart have had this long of a run? I know the day it happened my heart was beating fast first thing in the morning and felt like it went fast all day and well into the evening. The doctors are talking about medication and/or ablation but they wanted me to do a 30 day event monitor to find out how many times it is happening. I have had my monitor on for a week and it goes off by itself anywhere from one to seven times a day. I have only hit the button twice since having it to record when my heart felt like it was bouncing all over the place. The doctors told me they set the monitor’s parameters to go off if my heart drops below 40 or goes above 140. Does this all make sense to you?
Doesn’t quite add up, i suspect its artifact, make an appt to review the tracing with the prescribing physician.
I had an event of heavy chest tightness with chills and nausea. Following, I had a couple of weeks of rapid resting pulse coming out of nowhere. I still have chest tightness and have a hard time sleeping. On my back or on my sides cause more tightness and sometimes electrical shocks. Cardiologist did an EKG and said I had extra beats from one of the upper chambers. He said it was nothing really to worry about. He said he didn’t think it was a blockage but ordered a 48 hour halter monitor and an echo. I am really concerned as the tightness is constant. It is also uncomfortable to look up. I do have a history of acid reflux and have been taking PPIs for a long time. I have an endoscopy scheduled for a month from now. I don’t really know what to do. I kind of feel like I am being blown off. No one seems to be all that concerned. I am almost tempted every evening to drive to the ER (if feels worse in the evening).
Discuss with the cardiologist that you are having chest tightness that is concerning you. The nature of the pain does not appear to be cardiac which is maybe why the provider isn’t worried, (also they would have done a full visit with history and exam) however some form of further risk stratification such as treadmill or stress testing may be of reassurance given your ongoing concerns.
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You’ve shared sound info for anxious people wanting answers, thank you. I will ask one too.
my heart starts to race at 2A, Pounding in my ears. I cannot go back to sleep.
The only med I’m taking is Tecfidera 240mg 2X per day since 2.20/18 for MS (RRMS). I did see a cardiologist and took EKG, normal results. I’m thinking of calling office to schedule heart monitor. Good idea?
total QRS Complexes– 180184—-Ventricular Ectopics-9809—Supravent Ectopics-1350
Vent Events 9005-In Bigeminal Cycles 51 –Couplets 400- Runs 0+
Supravent Events–Isolateds 548–Couplets 401
ST Depressions CH 1. 2 3–0
ST Elevation CH 1.2,3 — 0
Min HR -41 Max HR 130
What does this all mean???? Thanks for a reply !!
It means you have some PVC’s, did they give a % of the PVC’s as in how many of the total heart beats were PVC’s. The findings can be discussed with the prescribing physician, why was it done in the first place?
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Hello,
Been feeling knife-like stings on the left side of my chest lasting half a minute which worsens when i breathe deeply (did chest xray and traces on bronchitis are there). Woke up twice with burning sensation in the middle of my chest. Did stress echo twice scoring 13.6 ans 15.7 mets. All my ecgs were normal and holter report stated 52 ventricular ectopics and 1010 supra(1.1%) (holter put 6-8 months ago). A weeks ago i been in and out of the ER where i have been dizzy and have been suffering from muscle weakness. I exercise 5 -6 times a week (3 days lifting and cardio everyday around 1.5-2 hrs and yoga twice a week). In the holter monitor my HR reached a min of 40 while sleeping. Today my HR goes down to 47 or 48 at rest sometimes but mainly in the 50s. My Dr. said last we will do is eps but he believes nothing is wrong and it is all anxiety/panic attacks (affecting my bp for less than a minute). So, what do you suggest? Is eps dangerous for the heart? Can it cause side effects afterwards? I have read alot about it where it seems bothering yet my cardiologist says its very easy. Thank you in advance.
Male, 28 yrs, overweight but athletic
I currently have a wireless monitor that I am to wear for 4 weeks. The monitor has a screen that shows how many events are currently stored – automatically and manually, up to 20. It transmits the events wirelessly and automatically to the supplier/doctor. Should I be concerned if i notice the monitor is automatically storing events it’s captured on its own?
What does it mean when the doctor say that I have a premature ventricular contraction of 3.5%. I’m also feeling lightheadedness and dizziness. What is the treatment for these symptoms.
It means that 3.5% of your beats are PVC’s and whether they are the cause of your symptoms or not would depend on a number of factors including correlation between timing of symptoms and PVC’s.
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What does v ectopic 1 mean in a 24 hour holter echo.
Hey, can you give me your advice on this comment after wearing a 24hr holter monitor for heart palpitations.
Sinus Rhythm/Arrhythmia with rare, premature, supra ventricular contractions and infrequent premature ventricular contractions. Occasional brief episodes of ectopic atrial rhythm. Intermittent S-T “sagging” in Channels 2 & 3. Several episodes of unexplained sinus tachycardia. Patient occasionally aware of sinus tachycardia which she explains as “palpitations”
I am wearing an event recorder due to palpataikns returning now after having ablation last year for SVT but it has went off on its own 72 times I have had to download 2 times In 8 days. Is this normal? I
Hi what does st depression episodes mean on a 24hr holter monitor?
my heart rate is always above 100 and I am 31 years old female. I eat healthy and I have never smoked nor drink. Never did drugs. In college, I was active but now since I have 2 children and work full time it is hard to find any time to squeeze in exercise. I do exercise with my children though, running around. However, it is exhausting. I am currently waiting for results for my readings and would like to know how long it takes?
should I be concerned that my heart rate never gets below 100? there are times, when I am just running with my children it gets to 150. I did a blood test and all my levels are great!
thanks.
Hello.
I got my results and for the 48 hour monitoring period… my heart was 80% tachycardia.
There were a few rare SVE beats. What does that mean?
There were some instances of SVPB.
Is this not good? I am pregnant as well… so I just want to know if this will harm my baby. 🙁
SVE a few of them, not concerning.
the tachycardia, if the dr isnt worried may well be a response to pregnancy.
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Dr
My 7 days holter shows 1 event of VT of 2.6 secs.
Is it of concern?
My cardiologist says ignore but neuro says investigate. Am confused.
In general that’s known as nsvt and in isolation may not be concerning. If you want an opinion i would recommend seeing an electrophysiologist.
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Hello,
I am 37 year old female that experiences slight left sided chest discomfort. 24 hour holter showed 1 ventricular beats <1%, 5 supraventricular beats <1%, maximum HRT rate 155, minimum 47, 14788 beats in tachycardia, 10607 beats in bradycardia. Supraventriculars 3 isolated, 1 couplets. Ventriculars (V,F,E,I) 1 isolated.
My doctor is out of town for a week. The nurse called and read me the results but told me I won’t hear from my doctor until next week on what it all means. Should I be worried? I feel my heart race and slow all the time with the chest discomfort on and off a few times a day every day almost.
The doctor covering for my doctor reported my results to me as totally normal. Is this ture? I don’t want anything to be wrong and want to be sure nothing is before I ignore my symptoms. Your thoughts are very much appreciated on my holter monitor results posted previously.
Have had boughts of fast heart rates just got the monitor results back and don’t really know anything about them yet other then my heart rate ranges from 57 to 157…Is that a relatively normal range or is that bad? Appreciate the input.
I received my heart monitor today that I am to wear for 30 days. I have a nucclear stress test scheduled for next week.
Should I wear the monitor that day?
I went to see heart dr and I have had pvcs for several years.But was always told nothing was wrong. I want this time wore heart monitor for 24 hours and he has diagnosed with heart arrhythmia. The day I wore heart monitor I was very active the whole day. He said heart rate was in the 70s most of the day. It went up ton176 but I walked up a big hill. He wants me to start a bp medication but my blood pressure is great. I have tested my no and heart rate for several days and it’s good every time. I don’t want to be on medication Diltiszem 24 hr er 190 mg. Do I really have to?
I had a holter monitor for 24 hours and mine stated rare premature atrial contractions and occasional premature ventricular contractions. My heart rate was 62-149. I haven’t heard back from the Dr. but is this something that will need treated since it occurs rarely and occasionally?
Thank you!
Hi
I had an allergic reaction to metronidazole June 2018 and have had issues since.
Was prev fit healthy girl now I suffer with palpitations chest pain and increased heart rate esp after eating.
I have had a 7 day holster monitor it showed an episode of atrial tachycardia (when I was having a full blown palpitation) ectopic beats. Was told i was stressed (even tho I made it clear I wasnt) and it would pass. It hasn’t passed I also go very dizzy and the extra beats take my breath away at times! I have had to purchase a shower stool as I can not stand in the shower long enough as my heart is pounding this happens numerous times a day. Can you please help? Is it anything to be worried about? I am currently awaiting a cardiologist app but not till august
Hi!
I’m 25z I have been having really bad palpitations for over a month now and the past week it has been causing slight sharp pain occasionally up high in my chest on the left side about 5 inches down from collarbone.
My blood tests came back normal, I did a 48- Holter and a stress Echo (They said during the Echo that nothing looked out of the ordinary) and they’re acting like it will be nothing but they don’t seem to go away and now that it’s bringing on slight pain really worries me.
Normal tests are reassuring at least. if symptoms persist, can revisit these with primary care after all clear from the cardiologist.
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Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
Hi!
I’m 25. I have been having really bad palpitations for over a month now and the past week it has been causing slight sharp pain occasionally up high in my chest on the left side about 5 inches down from collarbone.
My blood tests came back normal, I did a 48- Holter and a stress Echo (They said during the Echo that nothing looked out of the ordinary) and they’re acting like it will be nothing but they don’t seem to go away and now that it’s bringing on slight pain really worries me.
Stress test, complete electrocardiogram, echo before and after stress test and ECG had been done and all showed normal heart condition. Why, Holter Monitor is been ordered by the same cardiologist for 2 weeks monitoring?
Maybe to assess the heart rhythm.
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Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
My father is 63 years old and went into 24 hour holter program due to his dizziness while standing up and sitting position. The report says minimum and maximum BPM is 56 and 116. Venticular ectopy was 1831 with 2 V-runs and 29 V-pairs. Supraventricular ectopy was 7 with 0 SV-Runs and 0 SV-pairs. The doctor frieghten him that his heart is not in good condition. Please suggest me what to do and please tell me what does this results mean ??
Thank you.
He has some extra beats, not necessarily meaning there is a problem, an echocardiogram to look at the heart structure and function would be useful.
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Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
Hi, my 2yo son just had a Holter fitted which showed 4% PACs/24h and 29PVCs. No couplets, runs, etc. Is it possible that the interpretations was wrong? I am a dr as well and know how to ascultate. I check him all the time and every 3-4 beats is an ectopic. How can this 4% be explained then? Can I trust the people reading the strip? I doubt I have any success getting a second opinion, the NHS is quite dismissive these days. Thank you!
I am 63 female diagnosed by Mayo clinic w/ SVT ! On June 12,2019 my primary Dr. ordered a 24hr monitor it didn’t get ready til 06/24/2019 my heart rate went up to 175 lm on a channel blocker to keep both & hrs down reason I had holter was I was having heart fluttering & chest pain now my report says, I had Rare PVCs & Rare Pace show up on this test yet here it is 6/25 no word from Dr office about these results????? I feel fagtuie & headache still had times have leg weakness . Don’t understand this ??
42 year old female, had a stroke 10 years ago and discovered I had a large whole in my heart. had a PFO closure around that time. The last year I’ ve had dizziness, out of breathe easy and about 5 times a day have some pretty hard heart palpations with pain in my chest that goes away fairly quickly, but leaves me feeling out of breathe. Cardiologist order a heart monitor to wear for 4 weeks:
Results
Mostly sinus rhythms with average heart rate 80bpm (48-172) there is < 1% (2) single PVC's, there is a <1% (244) single PVAC's including 2 runs, 110 beats at 113 bpm and 1 3 beat run at 175 bpm. Max RR 1.5 seconds due to sinus arrhythmia.
conclusion: Mostly sinus beats with rare non sustained runs of atrial tachycardia
could you help explain the results?
Relatively normal findings, occasional runs of extra beats, nothing clearly concerning here.
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Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
I did a 48 hr Holter test. Will having anxiety with heart racing while wearing it cause the test to show anything abnormal?
My cardiologist has me on a holter monitor for 30 days is he able to review the results while I’m wearing it?
It depends on the type of monitor, with the newer ones, yes.
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Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
sir I am sushil kumar i am confused for there is a prolem in the recording class reading of ECG wire’s length.
I have a question my EKG showed in the 30’s. They told me to monitor my heart rate which I did for about 5 months same time each evening. They were between low 40 to mid 40’s with the occasional 50ish but not often. They ordered a holter monitor which had readings of 70’s and 40’s. When on I was grocery shopping, cleaning and baking was a lot of work for me, not a normal day. I have a nursing background so I do know how to take a heart rate.
I find it alarming when a holter monitor dictates nothing wrong even though daily reading are in the 40’s. Has our medical practices become so run of the mill and can’t figure out there is something wrong until to late… my son passed away because of substandard care. I have lost faith in the medical field even if I was in it for over 30 years.
My dad had a holter and the doctor is suggesting a pacemaker. The result of holter is this
“Twenty four hours holter analyzed revealed sinus rhythm with a minimum heart rate of 46 bpm. a maximum heart rate of 106 bpm with an average of 61 bpm.
The number of isolated SVE’s totaled 85 no couplets or no runs of SVT.
The number of isolated VEs totaled 5703 with 24G couplets no runs of VT.
The number of bigeminys and trigeninys is also seen.
There were so significant pauses or periods of extreme bradycardia.
The number of hours of analysed data was 23:50 and the quality of the recording was good.
What do I make of this? Please help. Thank you
I wore a cardiac event monitor for two weeks after a possible TIA. The darn thing kept going off but according to my third year resident physician, the results came back normal—no Afib. But I read the results and they say atrial flutter. “Atrial flutter with bradycardia caused by necessary medical therapy” to be exact. The therapy is metoprolol which I started taking both for high blood pressure and heart failure. So not afib but not “normal” either.
Should I even be on metoprolol anymore? Is atrial flutter not anything serious?
I am a healthy, athletic 27yo female with a sudden onset of palpitations. I had an 18% pvc burden which was corrected by catheter ablation. Since the ablation, i have not had pvc’s. However, my heart randomly races, I’ve experienced syncope, dizziness, migraines and frequent headaches and extreme fatigue. A recent 7 day holter showed my average heart rate at 90 bpm, I was in tachycardia 29% and bradycardia 8%. Should beta blockers be used to address this?
It depends on the situation, the timing of the tachycardia and its characteristics. I would have this addressed by the treating cardiologist.
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Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
I’ve had fluttering for years. Just this past year my blood pressure would spike and cause dizziness to the point I’ve fainted. My dyolostic part of my blood pressure has been 100 when normally it has been 80. That caused concern but blood work showed no heart failure but it did show some other high levels. High cholesterol. Prediabetic due to abnormal blood sugar levels.
All holter monitors have shown normal sinus rythm with just one abnormal beating. My heart still feels like it’s ready to beat out of my chest. About 4yrs ago I had a C Section for my daughter and the anesthesiologist noticed the abnormal heart beat before it went back to normal.
I’m not sure what to do. Heart disease and failure run in my family very strongly. I dont know what I should do or where to go from here.
Hi there- I am a 21 year old female. I am active working out around 3-6 days per week for about an hour and a half. I eat well. My BMI is 23. I had a holter monitor done for 24 hours because I was having episodes where I felt my heart was racing and I would get chest pain. The results from my monitor showed:
Sinus rhythm at 46-170bpm, average 81bpm. No pauses. Rare (,1%) atrial ectopy in PAC’s and triplets; no SVT. Rare (,1%) ventricular ectopy in PVC couplets; no NSVT. 5 patient triggered events which all correlated to sinus rhythm.
I am confused to what this means. And also, isn’t a resting heart rate of 81bpm high for someone so young and is so active? I mean given I am a nurse and have a history of anxiety and things like that. FYI: I also worked out the day of the test and had coffee.
I am being sent for a holter monitor test shortly because when ever I stand up, specifically from laying down, I feel like I’m going to pass out, have chest pressure and its harder to breathe. I started watching my HR and at times its doubled, sometimes going upwards of 160 when it was at 80/90 sitting.
I have had it go from 50/60-100/110 in the matter of minutes all because I stood up (not even that fast) and it takes a min to reach the highest and then slowly lowers.
I have been having chest pain for years and the doctors all just write it off because it’s intermittent.
Is a holter monitor able to detect any abnormalities if it’s just these situations?
I went through a 24 hours Holter Test and the results are as follows:-
General
129304 QRS Complexes
2 Ventricular beats(<1%)
7 Supraventricular beats (<1%)
4 Junctioal beats(<1%)
=100bpm), 22% total
25 beats in bradycardia (>=60bpm), <1% total
1.7 Seconds Max R-R
Ventriculars(V,F,E,I)
1 isolated
0 couplets
0 Bigeminal cycles
0 Runs totalling 0 betas
Superaventriculars(S,J,A)
0 Isolated
1 Couplets
0 Bigeminal Cycles
1 Runs totaling 4 beats
4 Beats longest run 36 bpm
4 Beats fastest run 36 bpm
Request your opinion on the results.
I have had heart skipping beats since I’m in my 20s. Now in my 50s and starter experiencing racing heart rate at rest. 48 hour Holter results:
227749 QRS Complexes
111 Ventricular ectopics which represent <1% of total QRS comp
2632 Supraventricular ectopics which represent 1 % of total QRS comp.
Ventricular Ectopy: 111 Isolated
Supraventriculr Ectopy:
1000 Isolated
10 Couplets
48 Runs
1612 beats in runs
74 beats longest at 142 bpm
13 beats fastest at 156 bpm
Heart rates: 53 min/79 avg/157 max
Longest RR 1.3520 secs
20951 Tachy beats (9% of tachy)
3288 Bradycardia beats (1%)
Normal sinus rhythm
I am overweight with hbp controlled with meds.
Any insights appreciated. I was previously on Exforge–can this be a side effect of the medication? I recently started taking Verapmil.
I recently wore a heart monitor and the results from the monitor company showed 3 SVT episodes. My doctor says there were NO episodes. I am confused. I have had a diagnosis and an ablation for SVT. Previously. Who is right? The monitor company or the doctor?
Hi,
Abnormal ekg with non-speficic t wave changes, normal echo cardiogram, normal stress echo
Doctor told me abnormal ekg is from tachycardia but
Holter monitor indicated 83 bpm average total beats =125,908
3 supraventricular ecopies
Is this normal?
It was a 24 hour holter monitor and i am 22 years old
My husband is experiencing fatigue and frequent headaches for a while. Since he had Hypothyrodism we couldnt do much about it. But his fitbit showed his heart rate consistently being low between 53-61. (This is going one for more than an year. Previously, around 2016 he was in 60-65 range but it decreased in the last 2 years to 53-60). PCP advised ECG and Echo. Sinus Bradycardia was noticed but no other interpretations. Holter monitor shows the following interpretation. Doctor says this can be normal but I wanted another opinion.
IMPR:
One isolated supraventricular ectopic. No episode of SVT
One short run of VT(3 beats at a rate of 108 bpm)
22 years old. Recently got alot of BLOOD CLOTS IN MY LUNGS 1 month after having my baby. My obgyn said he’s never had this happen in a young woman b4. He does doesn’t believe it is from the c section & neither do I. Ok so I am on eliquis. I am 2 months in with it. I keep having heart pain and shooting pain there and also throughout my entire body. It’s like shooting burning pain. I will feel it everywhere! Especially my abdomen. I have been to the ER twice in a month. I had a cat scan of lungs and abdomen. Nothing is wrong except a small hernia and one small kidney stone in left kidney. I feel short of breath. I feel like my left lung or rib cage is uncomfortable when I take a big breath but it doesn’t hurt. I hurt the most under my right rib cage and my right pelvis. I am scheduled to wear one of these heart things for 24 hours. My DR doesn’t seem concerned. My heart rate is staying in the 40s. I am 22. I am fat and definitely no athlete. I am anemic as well. Everyday I just feel like I’m dying. I was completely fine before I got pulmonary embolism. even 2 weeks after I was still fine. Then all of this weird stuff started happening to my body and my DR isn’t doing anything except a heart monitor for 24 hours bc my cat scans came back fine but that was a month ago and everything is worse!! What is your suggestion? I really need help. This shooting pain under my right rib and throughout my entire body is driving me insane and so is my heart!! I am not ok. I don’t care what those test said a month ago!!
I am 66-years old exercise daily 1-hour walk plus ride a mountain bike a lot 30 to 45-kilo two or three times a week. I am a scuba diver my at rest heartbeat is 25 bpm but jumps when I do anything. My O2 is 98%, I have always had a slow heartbeat. pre-surgery EKG out of caution 48-hour monitor shows the same thing. Why does everyone freak out over my heartrate it is normal for me, is there something I am missing?
my holter show max delta st depression 4.4… is this something to worry about it and i am 30 yrs old
In 24 Holter, 9 Supra Ventricular events …most severe SVT was for 81.5 sec, with 154 BPM, there were 10 Brady events, most severe Brady was for 59.9 sec, with 43 BPM. Is there any problem? Patient has few episodes of palpitations , breathlessness and dizziness( 3 independent episodes over one month). But during Holter, no such symptoms appeared.
My doctor said he saw 9 abnormal heart beats together on Holter monitor can you explain to me what that means?
Would love your comparative Analysis.
Historic HR shows increasing frequency of Pauses commencing Jan 2020 to present (peaking at main event time)
Note: Holter test taken on 8th day of Event Horizon – Minimal symptoms present to patient at time comparatively speaking.
General
147996 QRS complexes
935 Ventricular beats (=100 bpm), 10% total
61926 Beats in bradycardia (<=60 bpm), 42% total
2.44 Seconds Max R-R at 05:56:24 20-Aug
Supraventriculars (S, J, A)
1734 Isolated
280 Couplets
107 Bigeminal cycles
200 Runs totaling 808 beats
11 Beats longest run 134 bpm 16:35:26 19-Aug
3 Beats fastest run 178 bpm 19:09:09 19-Aug
Interprétation
Number of channels recorded: 3 Continuous recording
Analysed post hoc manufacturer: GE Model of device: SEER Light Extend
AF percentage is just an average Sinus rhythm with very frequent supraventricular ectopy including many supraventricular runs, several of which were consistent with atrial flutter and/or fibrillation.
Many there runs were at rate of 150-190 bpm Occasional ventricular ectopicsincluding many couplets and 56 wide complex runs of up to 7 beats duration at up to 200bpm; many of which were suspicious for aberrant conduction rather than truly ventricular.
Patient complaints of dizzy, strong heartbeat, palpitations, headache correlated with a period of frequent atrial ectopy
I am 27 years old F. I was experiencing palpitations, chest pain, and PVCs since June, 2020. Dr. recommended me ecg, echo and holter test.
Holter Results
1. Analyzed 23 hours and 41 minutes.
2. Holter study demonstrated normal sinus rhythm with the heart rate range of 47 bpm to 94 bpm and the average heart rate was 75 bpm.
no pauses less than 3.0 sec was seen.
3. Total QRS count for recording was 107,208.
4. There were 25503 frequent PVCs shown with bigeminy and trigeminy but no VT/VF
5. Occasional PACs but no SVT.
I am wearing a heart monitor after a fainting episode now for 6 weeks. 2 events (1 when sleeping was a 3 sec pause) and another at 8am when reading paper 3.2 sec. Coincidently before each of the events I had an alcoholic beverage (vodka) or 2. Have not had a drink since the 2nd event and no calls about the heart pause. I am 68 year old…very healthy and have a very intense exercise routine. Do you think a pacemaker would be necessary. Is it just coincidental that these events happened after a drink?
Hi. I’m a 27yo female. On March this year I started having difficulty breathing, high pulse and dizziness. In the evenings when lying in bed I would get a knot în the middle of my chest that would radiate throughout my entire body like a heat wave. Went to a cardiologist and had a 24 h holter monitor that didn’t show anything: min hr 69, max 129. The echo showed: mildly dilated LA volume indexed to BSa (51 ml, 30,9ml/m2), very trivial rim of pericardial effusion around the RC (max measured 0.2 cm at apex), everything else normal LVEF 65+/-5%.
In the meantime I got pregnant(I would still get the occasional episode of heath in the chest in the evening plus breathing difficulties) but unfortunately lost my baby at 6 months gestation(don’t know the reason yet). A week after I gave birth my symptoms came back with vengeance. Breathing difficulties (not SOB, as I can go for long walks ok, it’s more like I’m being choked), a tremour in my entire body, plus the scary bit: in the evening when lying in bed (happens more on my left side) it starts with dizziness at the bottom of my head in the back, a numbness on my chest and I feel like my heart stops beating, like it’s either beating too fast for me to feel it or too slow. So I would feel my heart beating from the outside if I touch my chest and when the episode starts I can’t feel it anymore. I have to move or swallow to stop this.
Does this sound like a form of an arrhythmia episode? Should I repeat holter monitor for a longer period and another echo? What other tests should I do? ( I know my stress levels have been the highest in my entire life with loosing my baby boy, but the symptoms are real, not just anxiety)
Thank you in advance
Nicolera
What does 48% noise burden mean ?
My wife had a 72hour holter monitor. The cardiologist report said:
Possible AV block 2.2 seconds
May have been vagal and transient Afib
The afib episode lasted for 1 minute.
She has spina bifida, DDD, GERD, hydrocephalus (VP-shunt), and she’s on famotidine for the GERD.
Is this something you would be concerned with?
In a ZIO heart monitor what are these VE isolated count “episodes”?
I had over 5,000 with my baseline low being 29bpm.
Hi,
I’ve just had a 7 day holter monitor done for constant palpitations that so far have lasted 2 weeks and still going, I was just wondering how long it takes them to analyse the monitor and hear back from them? Also what tests could be next?
Thank you
Sophie
Hi,
I’ve just had a 7 day holter monitor done for constant palpitations that so far have lasted 2 weeks and still going, I was just wondering how long it takes them to analyse the monitor and hear back from them? Also what tests could be next?
I was also recently in a&e with it I had bloods and ecg done and I’m abit anemic and also have low hemoglobin, on the ecg the Dr said it looks like a possible ectopic beat and my bloods show markers for palpitations.
Thank you
Sophie
The patient was in sinus rhythm. With episodes of sinus arrythmia. Heart rates ranged from 45-128. The average heart rate was 67 BPM. Ventricular arrhythmias consisted of rare uniform PVCs.
Supraventricular arrythmias consisted of rare PACs and 3 triplets. There were no noted pauses.
Is this normal?
The patient was in sinus rhythm. With episodes of sinus arrythmia. Heart rates ranged from 45-128. The average heart rate was 67 BPM. Ventricular arrhythmias consisted of rare uniform PVCs.
Supraventricular arrythmias consisted of rare PACs and 3 triplets. There were no noted pauses.
7 day holtet
Is this normal?
Please what does this mean??
“Marker Ch. Patient used symptom indicator channel times.
Symptoms: Patient reports:
Correlation: Diary/Patient symptoms do not correlate with
arrhythmias.
Impression:
Sinus rhythms identified that ranges from 60-131 beats per
minute. The average heart beat 89 beats per minute. No ectopy
is identified. There is no evidence of atrial fibrillation,
ventricular tachycardia, or AV block”
I am 80 year male. Used to smoke about 10 cig per day at young age but have quit for last 24 years.
For last 5-6 years I feel shortness of breath while walsing briskly or with any physical work. My stress test results indiacated good results. Would holter monitor provide any conclusive results.
I am 80 year male. Used to smoke about 10 cig per day at young age but have quit for last 24 years.
For last 5-6 years I feel shortness of breath while walsing briskly or with any physical work. My stress test results indiacated good results. Would holter monitor provide any conclusive results.
Good Morning 🙂 I can’t seem to find an answer to my question. If I am on beta blockers that prevent arrhythmia, how will a monitor capture the arrhythmia? The VA sent me a monitor and I’m wearing it now. I’m concerned I won’t have events to document if I’m taking beta blockers and they are telling me I need to still take them.
I think your doctor should have advised you to stop taking the beta blockers (tablets) 2 days before the test and during the test.
Hello! Curious if this thread is still open. I had a holter that was mostly normal except it said ST depression -2.25 mm . My cardiologist mentioned nothing of it. Is it normal?
I went to my cardiologist appointment on January 17th 2022 Holter monitor was placed on my chest that day. I was referred to cardiologist in September 2021 EKG showed I had an old infraction. End of December 2021 I started having moderate chest pain everyday multiple times everyday Went to EMD a few times in that 3 week period on January 20 admitted to hospital ended up with a 99% blockage stent put in troponin levels reached 1,512 before procedure Heart monitor stayed in place till procedure was started and My cardiologist report from monitor was results are good he wasn’t alarmed or concerned with results How is that possible. Help please
Hi, I have been feeling heart palpitations for the past two weeks. I had a 24 hour heart monitor on and below are my results. Is this anything to be too concerned about? Note – I also have Covid-19 about 5 weeks ago. Have had a lingering cough. Not sure if this has anything to do with it
Sinus rhythm with episodes of low atrial rhythm.
The average heart rate was 78. The minimum heart
rate was 49 at 04:54. The maximum heart rate was 143
at 07:34.
No ventricular ectopics.
One supraventricular ectopic.
No pauses greater than 2.0 seconds.
Three events; sinus rhythm/sinus tachycardia, rates
67-123 bpm
Hello,
I have no prior history of heart issues, but I started having daily papitations within minutes of receiving the covid vaccine and continuing for months after. I had a 12 day halter showing
Heart rate 64-165
tachycardia 2,400 10.5%
1330 PVCs @ 10%
16 PSVCs @ 1%
1 Supraventricular Tachycardia for 6min 44s
What didn’t occur during the montioring period is when I have an extremly heavy palpitation (had 3 so far) that knocks me off my feet and causes disorientation. EKG & Echo’s are normal, but something feels off as this is a daily occurance. My doctor wants to to take beta blockers, but i’m concered about taking them as we don’t even know the root issue. do my results tell anything that warrents further testing/evauals such as a cardiac mri or getting a second opinion? thoughts
Hello, I feel like my heart is skipping beats a couple of times a day for two weeks, i had EKG and it was normal, I had a holter for 24Hrs and my doctor said that overall looks good and there is nothing life threatening, just a few extra beats. Should I be concerned?I feel anxiety when I feel it. I have stress test scheduled in a month. Thank you
Hello Dr Mustafa, I feel my new cardiologist is just trying to push blood thinners on me and I really want to resist. I have HOCM and have been on beta blockers for 18 years, i am 48 year old male, vegetarian,healthy weight of 60kg, dont drink or smoke, exercise twice a week. I wore a 5 day holter recently and results were:
There were a total of 84 PVCs with 4 morphologies. There was 1 recorded Ventricular triplet (140
bpm).
There were a total of 105 PSVCs of which 4 supraventricular episodes (noted irregular RR intervals).
Fastest SVT: 142 bpm.
Does any of that look so concerning that I need to go on blood thinners?
Thank you in advance
Tony
What does this mean?
EGM consistent with SR and ST.
I have just been diagnosed with SVT and am due for an echo. Two months ago I had the first strong and prolonged palpitations and also noticed around the same time that my resting heart rate also dropped about 20 bpm to 50 ish which is abnormal for me. I am a gym goer and very healthy normally but my 24 hour resting rate is normally mid 60’s- 70bpm. I have been feeling fatigued for quite a while previously and all bloods are perfect. I am a healthy person with no history of heart problems. My worry is that I may have sick sinus syndrome and I know it is progressive. This is causing me more anxiety, I have some results from my 48 holter monitor but I cannot interpret and unsure if it shows problems with bradycardia. My cardiologist has not seen this yet.
Can ablation deal with both my SVT and bradycardia?
Thank you in advance.
Salma
Hi I wore a holter monitor for a week, cardiologist commented: max hr 166 bpm, mean hr 74 bpm, min hr 51 bpm. Sinus rhythm throughout. 1x episodes of sudden drop in rates. Rare episodes of sinus tachycardia with gradual onset/offset seen, longest and fastest lasting 3 mins with rates up to 172 bpm. 3x isolated VEs seen. 9x SVEs seen as singles and 1x couplet.
Does any of this mean I have an arrythmia? Or a problem of some kind? I suffer from fatigue and dizziness on standing at times
I had a holter monitor carried out for rapid heart rate,lightheadedness, shortness of breath when standing from sitting,increasing when just standing still as though exercising,being overly high for minimal tasks just acting inappropriate to what you would expect. I had tests. The letter I received said holter recording had shown sinus rhythm throughout Max 159 min 57. There were several episodes of supra ventricular tachycardia with change in p wave morphology most likely consistent with runs of atrial tachy. There were 14 patient events correlated with sinus tachycardia and atrial tachycardia as well. Echo showed aortic valve minimally thickened with some regurgitation. Structurally fine and normal function. My follow up isn’t until several months time. It mentions so many types of tachycardia so what would you interpret is my diagnosis. Inappropriate sinus tachycardia , svt or atrial tachycardia? It’s very confusing! I’ve been put on low dose beta blockers for now.
A recent 14-day Holter monitor yielded the following results. I am 67 who started Synthroid 7 months ago due to a TSH of over 12. The bradycardia has improved during the day, but was surprised to discover complete heart block only while sleeping. How dangerous is this? Is this due to sleep apnea or do I need pacemaker?
INDICATION: Bradycardia [R00.1 (ICD-10-CM)]; Heart palpitations [R00.2
(ICD-10-CM)]
INTERPRETATION:
1. Baseline rhythm is normal sinus with normal PR and QT intervals and
normal QRS duration. While in sinus rhythm the heart rate ranged from
49-129 with a mean of 70 bpm.
2. There were rare premature atrial contractions with no episodes of
supraventricular tachycardia.
3. There were rare premature ventricular contractions with no episodes of
ventricular tachycardia.
4. There was no evidence of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.
5. There were 34 episodes of complete heart block with heart rates as low
as 30 bpm. There were no pauses longer than 3 seconds. All of these
episodes occurred during hours of sleep, raising the question of sleep
apnea.
6. No symptoms recorded the diary
IMPRESSIONS:
13-day and 13-hour Zio patch event recorder documenting periods of
complete heart block but only during the hours of sleep. This raises the
question of sleep apnea. There were no episodes of supraventricular
tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia nor atrial fibrillation. No symptoms
recorded in the diary.
It would be SO HELPFUL if you included a line or two to the question “What do I do if one of the leads comes loose? Do I immediately reattach it (I did this)…but does one lead coming lose, even if I reattach it, invalidate the test. (mine is a 24 hour test….the lead came loose at hour 5).
Event monitor showed 4 runs of PSVT with fastest interval lasting 10 beats with max HR 118 bmp. rate 57-135bmp, avg HR 78bmp. SVEs/VEs (<1%).
Is this normal?
I don’t have cell service. Is there a holter monitor that will work in remote locations?
Result Text
Sinus rhythm seen throughout recording with mean HR 72BPM.
Min HR: 49BPM
Max HR: 114BPM
3 Episodes of nocturnal sinus bradycardia, longest 5 beats @ 5:54AM and slowest 42bpm @ 4:32AM.
185 Ventricular ectopics (<1% burden) seen in isolation and as:
9 Episodes of trigeminy, longest 7 cycles @ 23:15
5 Episodes of bigeminy, longest 4 cycles @ 23:17
7 SVE's seen in isolation and as 1 couplet.
Patient diary returned, no symptoms documented.
Physiologist report, not seen by a cardiologist.
i had an ecg it was ok holtor monitor doctor said they didn’t want to see me again they said i had lots of etopic beats does that mean i’m ok
Hi Doctor
I had an angiplasty 07 weeks back.
My ecg were perfect
One day I sprinted like Carl lewes and that day ECG came like arrhythmia
Why
Can I swim??
As of today, July 2024, this information is badly outdated. Most Holter Monitors don’t use wire electrodes, but rather a small monitor that adhere to the chest and uploads info to a device the size of a phone that the patient carries (via Bluetooth/Wifi) usually. Completely non-invasive, small, and comfortable to wear.