Cardiac testing
A small monitor may be suggested to record your heart beat while you are sleeping, exercising at home, and under the daily stresses of life. A Holter monitor (also called an ambulatory electrocardiography device) is a small device worn by a patient that continuously records EKG during usual daily activity. An event monitor, which is the size of a credit card, is held against your chest when you want to record a symptom or heartbeat. You will be given a diary in which to record your activities and symptoms, which will then be correlated to the electrocardiogram recording provided by the monitor. It will take about ten minutes in our office for you to be instructed on how to wear and use the monitor. Monitors are generally worn for 24 to 48 hours. Your only limitation during event monitoring is not taking a shower or swimming when wearing the monitor.