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
ht holter monitorshowed first drgree av block withsupraventricular ectopic beats
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
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.
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?
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?
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.
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 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 .
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 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.
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.
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If you are interested in information and therapy for heart disease then feel free to follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
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
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.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
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.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
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.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
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.
you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
What does v ectopic 1 mean in a 24 hour holter echo.
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 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.
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.
You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
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.
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?
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.
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?