Contents:
Medical Video: Ambulatory ECG (extended)
Definition
What is an ambulatory electrocardiogram?
The heart produces small electrical impulses that are delivered through the heart muscle to contract. This electrical impulse can be detected by an ECG machine. The machine amplifies electrical impulses at each heartbeat and then records them on a print paper or computer's visual screen. This process is safe and does not cause any pain at all. Ambulatory electrocardiogram records the electrical activity of the heart when you carry out daily activities (in English, ambulatory means "can walk"). An ambulatory monitor is known by several names such as ambulatory electrocardiogram, ambulatory ECG, Holter monitoring, 24-hour EKG, or cardiac event monitoring.
When should I undergo an ambulatory electrocardiogram?
In the test, the ECG is used for:
- monitor and record irregular heartbeats when patients carry out certain activities
- looking for causes of chest pain, dizziness, or fainting. the possibility of these symptoms is a problem of heart abnormalities
- detecting impaired blood flow to the heart muscle (ischemia)
- evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for irregular heartbeat
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing an ambulatory electrocardiogram?
Many people have irregular heartbeats from time to time. The cause depends on several aspects such as the pattern of heart rate, how often and how long it happens, as well as the symptoms of a heart abnormality that you may have. Diseases such as dizziness or nausea may also be caused by an irregular heartbeat. Because the standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) is a safe, affordable and accurate information tool, doctors will use this tool to test the patient's heart function before switching to another test kit.
Process
What should I do before undergoing an ambulatory electrocardiogram?
Many medicines can affect the results of this test. Make sure you tell your doctor about all the drugs you are taking (whether or not according to the prescription). Usually, an EKG is used to monitor advanced heart conditions, such as an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Therefore, make sure the doctor has a copy of the previous ECG results. Because the appliance cannot be wet, take a bath before the ECG electrode is placed on your body. Wear a shirt or a loose blouse. Don't wear jewelry or clothing with metal buttons or buckles because it can interfere with the test process. Women also may not wear a wire bra for the same reason. The doctor will give instructions for writing a diary. In this diary, you must note what activities are carried out, symptoms of the disease that are felt, and the time when the symptoms appear. The accuracy of the test results depends on this diary. This procedure will be a little different if you undergo a monitor planting test under the skin. You will be given further guidance regarding the procedure of this test.
Discuss directly with the doctor about the tests that you will undergo, along with the risks, processes, and results.
What is the ambulatory electrocardiogram process?
It takes around 10 minutes to install electrodes and devices on the body. Once installed, you can carry out daily activities for 24-48 hours. The recorder must be used even when you are sleeping, except when taking a shower (because the device cannot be wet). You will be given a diary to record the time when certain symptoms appear (such as palpitations). From these notes, the doctor will analyze carefully especially when you feel certain symptoms. This is done to see arrhythmias that occur referring to the symptoms of the disease. Your doctor may ask you to repeat some activities that previously caused an irregular heartbeat to ensure a diagnosis of the initial symptoms.
There are various types of equipment that can be used, including:
- on some manual devices, you have to press a button to indicate when symptoms appear
- some devices automatically detect irregular heartbeats
- some recorders will send ECG graphic notes via the telephone line
- some recorders are used for longer periods of time. This tool is called a 'monitor' event because the tool is only activated during the 'event' such as palpitations (irregular heartbeat)
What should I do after undergoing an ambulatory electrocardiogram?
If the device is installed in the morning, you will be asked to come back around 08.00-09.00 to remove the device. If the device is installed during the day, come back around 14.00-14: 30 to be released. Your record will be processed, analyzed and interpreted by the doctor. The doctor will discuss the test results with you.
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
An explanation of the results of this test will usually be presented by a cardiologist or cardiac electrophysiologist. The new test results will come out in a few days.
| Ambulatory Electrocardiogram (ECG or ECG) | |
| Normal: | No heart rhythm abnormalities were found from ECG information collected by the recorder. Heart rate may rise when you move and go down during sleep / rest. |
| Abnormal: | Ambulatory monitoring detects various types of irregular heartbeat.
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The results of the ambulatory monitoring test will be compared with records of medical history, symptoms, and other test results. You will be instructed to undergo a repeat test if the test results have not shown accurate results.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
