- What is it for
- How the 24-hour Holter is made
- How to prepare for the exam
- Result of the 24-hour Holter
The 24-hour Holter is a type of electrocardiogram that is performed to assess the heart's rhythm over a period of 24, 48 or 72 hours. Generally, the 24-hour Holter exam 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, it can be done free of charge through SUS.
What is it for
The 24-hour Holter exam is used to assess changes in rhythm and heart rate over 24 hours and is very useful in diagnosing heart problems, such as arrhythmias and cardiac ischemia. It can be asked by the doctor to be able to evaluate the symptoms that the person presents as palpitations, dizziness, fainting or blackout of the vision, or in case of changes in the electrocardiogram.
Learn about other tests used to assess heart health.
How the 24-hour Holter is made
The 24-hour Holter is performed by placing 4 electrodes on the individual's chest. They are connected to a device, which sits on the patient's waist and records the information transmitted by these electrodes.
During the examination, the individual must perform his activities normally, except taking a bath. In addition, you should note in a diary any changes you experienced during the day, such as palpitations, chest pain, dizziness or other symptom.
After 24 hours, the device is removed and the cardiologist analyzes the data that was recorded on the equipment.
How to prepare for the exam
It is recommended:
- Bathe before the exam, as it will not be possible to bathe with the device; Avoid stimulating foods and drinks such as coffee, soda, alcoholic beverages and green tea; Avoid applying creams or ointments to the chest area, to ensure the electrodes adhere; the man has a lot of hair on his chest, these must be shaved with a razor; the medications must be taken as usual.
When using the equipment, you should not sleep on a pillow or magnetic mattress, as they may cause interference in the results. It is also important to use the device with care, avoiding touching the wires or electrodes.
Result of the 24-hour Holter
The normal heart rate varies between 60 and 100 bpm, but it can fluctuate throughout the day, when exercising or in nervous situations. Therefore, the Holter result report makes an average of the day, and indicates the moments of the main changes.
Other parameters that are recorded in the Holter are the total number of heart beats, the number of ventricular extrasystoles, ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular extrasystoles and supraventricular tachycardia. Learn to identify the symptoms of ventricular tachycardia.
