It’s not easy dealing with a heart condition. It can be scary and overwhelming at the same time. Even more so if you have to wear a cardiac monitoring device. From the bulky recorder to the confusing wires and electrodes stuck to your chest, it’s easy to be taken aback by it all.
However, in the case of a Holter monitor, there’s not much you need to be worried about. Although there are certain restrictions while wearing a Holter monitor, you can still get through your day-to-day activities without a single problem.
What is a Holter Monitor?
A Holter monitor is a compact cardiac event monitoring device. It’s basically a portable electrocardiogram (ECG) machine. The best part about it is that it keeps you from being stuck at the cardiologist. Instead, Holter monitors can record your heart activity throughout the day, no matter what time it is.
This way, if there’s a sudden rise or fall, it instantly notes that down. Given how the main purpose of a Holter monitor is to record the irregularities of the heart, it makes the job easier.
Not to mention, in most cases, cardiologists only ask the patient to wear the monitoring device for 24 to 48 hours. It’s only in rare or serious cases that one might be required to wear a Holter monitor for two weeks.
Can You Use Your Phone With a Holter Monitor On?
Technically, yes. You can use your mobile phone when you’re wearing a Holter monitor. However, you need to be extremely careful with it. Since Holter monitors are sensitive and record your heart’s electrical signals, you don’t want to risk messing it up.
For instance, magnets, high-voltage metal detectors, electrical wires, and other electrical appliances can count as some of the restrictions while wearing a Holter monitor. Make sure that whichever electronic device you’re using, like your cell phone or an mp3 player, it’s at least 6 inches away from the main monitor box.
Are There Any Other Restrictions While Wearing A Holter Monitor?
Even though you’re technically free to do whatever you want, there are some activities you need to hold back from. This is to keep your heart monitoring device from malfunctioning.
Nevertheless, here are some things you should definitely avoid doing when wearing a Holter monitor:
- Avoid places or objects that may radiate high-voltage currents.
- Do not get near any magnets, or let a magnet find its way near the monitor box.
- Do not get the Holter monitor wet.
- Keep everyday electronic items at least 6 inches away from the heart monitoring device.
- Don’t use any electronic item that might interfere with the signals of the device.
Want To Know More About Holter Monitors?
Whether you’re someone who suffers from a heart condition or someone close to you does, it’s best to keep yourself updated on the latest cardiac trends. However, if you have just recently been assigned to wear a Holter monitor, make sure you’re following the basic restrictions while wearing the heart monitor.
Nonetheless, for more information or cardiac screening, visit Epic Heart and Vascular Center at 17070 Red Oak Dr # 405, Houston, TX 77090. We’re located in the Texas Medical Arts Tower, opposite Abiding Word Lutheran Church. Feel free to reach out to us at either of the following locations:
- Houston: (832) 432-1951
- Willowbrook: (832) 432-1951