If you have an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or chest pain, Holter monitoring can be an effective tool to confirm your diagnosis. At Perloff Cardiovascular Care in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, David Perloff, MD, PA, offers on-site Holter monitoring services to record cardiac events as they happen. Dr. Perloff also specializes in treating any heart issues he detects during cardiac monitoring. Call Perloff Cardiovascular Care to schedule a consultation to discuss Holter monitoring or book an appointment online today.
A Holter monitor is a small, portable device that records your heartbeats and information about your heart’s rhythm.
Dr. Perloff might recommend cardiac monitoring services such as Holter monitoring if you have an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or unexplained symptoms of a heart-related condition, like shortness of breath or chest pain.
He first evaluates your heart with an electrocardiogram (ECG), a noninvasive test that assesses your heart’s rhythm. If the test doesn’t provide enough detail, you may need to wear a Holter monitor.
Attaching the Holter monitor to your body is a simple and painless procedure. Dr. Perloff places electrodes on different areas of your chest. These electrodes will pick up your heartbeat and send it to an attached recording device.
The recording device is small and easy to carry around on your belt or a strap. It connects to the sensors with thin wires that you can hide under your clothing. It’s important that you keep the Holter monitor dry and use it for as long as Dr. Perloff instructs to get the most accurate test results.
You may need to write down your activities, any symptoms you have while you’re using the Holter monitor, and the time they occur. This is especially important if you experience lightheadedness, chest fluttering or pain, or shortness of breath while wearing your monitor.
Once your recording time is complete, you return to the office, so Dr. Perloff can remove the sensors and evaluate your test results.
When you bring the Holter monitor back to the office, Dr. Perloff reviews the results of your test right away. He can discuss his findings with you during the same appointment.
If he notices any unusual cardiac events during the recording time, you might need additional testing. Dr. Perloff can also adjust any medications you’re taking for existing heart conditions or create a treatment plan that addresses new heart-related issues.
To find out if you’re a candidate for Holter monitoring, call Perloff Cardiovascular Care or book a consultation online today.
