If you are currently dealing with or have in the past worked with heart arrhythmia, the term “Holter monitor” may not be a new term for you. In this day and age, wearing a heart Monitor is a crucial tool for cardiologists. It is a useful device that helps them understand the heart condition in depth. However, is wearing a heart monitor for 2 whole weeks considered a normal practice? Let’s find out.

What is a Holter Monitor?

This miniature device is strapped to your chest, and its main function is to record your heart’s beats continuously when you are wearing it. You can take it as having an ECG machine on you 24/7, but it is more portable and convenient. What’s better is that you can even have it on while sleeping.

Is It Normal To Wear A Heart Monitor for 2 Weeks?

Most of the time, cardiologists recommend wearing a Holter monitor for merely 1 to 2 days. This period is enough for them to collect full 24-hour data, sufficient for preliminary evaluations. However, do not get shocked if they ask you to wear your heart monitor for 2 weeks. It is quite normal and, in fact, has its own name – the 14-day Holter Monitor Test.

We understand if you are wondering about the need to extend this time period. Well, Dr. Shanti Bansal, a board-certified cardiologist in cardiovascular electrophysiology, say that wearing your heart monitor for 2 weeks provides critical insights, which is highly valuable to diagnosing and treating arrhythmias, including intermittent atrial fibrillation. So, there is no need to put your thinking cap on if your cardiologist asks you to carry this device for more than a few days.

Things You Should Not Do While Wearing a Holter Monitor

There are certain do’s and don’ts that you must keep in mind while wearing a heart monitor. We have mentioned some of them below:

1. Steer Clear Of High-Voltage and High-Powered Areas: If you randomly roam around areas with high voltage, they can interfere with your monitor’s readings.
2. Avoid Going in Water: It is crucial for your Holter monitor to stay dry at all times. That means no showers, swimming, or other water-based activities while you have it on.
3. Magnetic Interference: Keep magnets away from the monitor, as they can disrupt the readings.
4. Excessive Electronics: Minimize the use of electronic items like microwaves, metal detectors, and electric toothbrushes, as they may interfere with the monitor.
5. Maintain Distance from Other Electronic Devices: Ensure items like your cell phone, laptop, and smartwatches are at least 6 inches away from your Holter monitor.

Closing Note

In a nutshell, wearing a Holter monitor for 2 weeks is normal, and it is done to assess a more in-depth understanding of your heart. If you are looking to upgrade your heart monitoring device or have questions about arrhythmia, contact Atrial Fibrillation Centers of America, today by dialing (832) 478-5067 or give us a visit in Houston, TX.

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