The 24-hour Holter is a type of electrocardiogram that is performed to evaluate the heart's rhythm in a 24-, 48-, or 72-hour period. Usually, the 24-hour Holter examination is requested when the patient has frequent symptoms of dizziness, palpitations or shortness of breath, which may indicate cardiac changes.
The price of the 24-hour Holter is around 200 reais, but in some cases can be done for free through the SUS.
What is it for
The 24-hour Holter exam assesses changes in heart rate and rhythm over 24 hours and is very useful in diagnosing heart problems such as arrhythmias and cardiac ischemia. It may be ordered by your doctor to be able to evaluate the symptoms that the person presents as palpitations, dizziness, fainting or blackout of the view, or in case of changes in the electrocardiogram.
How is the 24-hour Holter made?
The 24-hour Holter is done with the placement of 4 electrodes on the subject's chest. They are attached to a device, which is on the waist of the patient and records the information transmitted by these electrodes.
During the examination, the individual should perform his or her activities normally except taking a shower. In addition, you should note in a diary any changes you have experienced during the day, such as palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, or other symptoms.
After 24 hours, the device is removed and the cardiologist analyzes the data that has been recorded on the equipment.
How to prepare for the exam
It is recommended:
- Take a bath before the exam, as it will not be possible to bathe with the device;
- Avoid stimulant foods and beverages such as coffee, soda, alcohol, green tea and coffee;
- Do not apply creams or ointments to the chest area to ensure the adhesion of the electrodes;
- If the man shows many hairs in the region of the chest, they must be depilated with a blade;
- Medications should be taken on a regular basis.
During the use of the equipment should not sleep on pillow or magnetic mattress, which may cause interference in the results. It is also important to care for the device, avoiding touching the wires or electrodes.
24 hour Holter result
Normal heart rate ranges from 60 to 100bpm, but it can fluctuate throughout the day when you are exercising or nervous for some reason. Therefore, the holter result report makes an average of the day, and indicates the times of the major changes. Other parameters that are recorded in the holter are: total heart rate, number of ventricular extrasystoles, ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular extra-systole and supraventricular tachycardia.
