Cardiac monitoring or holter monitoring is done by ECG holter monitor, a device that tests for heart irregularities. The portable electrocardiogram takes a continuous record of cardiac activity over a period, usually 24-48 hours, until a patient gets to the doctor. Technicians take the data, make inputs into a computer program, and deliver results to the physician after a period of 2 weeks or less.
Since the ECG holter monitor has to be worn for a long period of time, a patient will want to know if they can continue with their daily activities? And the answer is yes. Patients can do what they normally do throughout each day. The only caveat is they cannot bathe or shower for at least 24 hours after the monitor touches the skin. It’s recommended that patients take care of their hygiene needs prior to receiving the monitor. The electrodes which attach to the skin are about the size of a silver-dollar. It generally has 5-7 wired leads.
Holter stickers could fall off the skin. The recommended procedure for reattaching the leads is to clean the sticky area of the skin with rubbing alcohol, and then use a new set of stickers. The time and date should be noted for future reference.
Making a diagnosis from the ECG holter monitor is much more difficult if the patient is involved in strenuous behavior that produces sweat. The perspiration is enough to loosen the adhesive on the leads, leading to botched results form the recordings. Frequent movement is not recommended.
