Arrhythmia Monitoring Specialist

What is arrhythmia monitoring?

If you have an arrhythmia, it means your heart is beating too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.

Arrhythmia monitoring is a method of recording the electrical activity in your heart that regulates its rhythm. These recordings help in the initial diagnosis of arrhythmia and are a vital tool for evaluating your condition once you start treatment.

There are several ways of monitoring arrhythmia, including Holter monitoring, event monitoring, and mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry.

Some recording devices store your ECG information in their memory, which you later send to Cardiology Specialists of Orange County by telephone. Others use telemetry, transmitting the data directly to your cardiologist.

What does Holter monitoring involve?

A Holter monitor or continuous ambulatory electrocardiographic monitor is a portable electrocardiogram (ECG) that's small enough for you to take home.

Your Holter monitor can run continuously for 24-72 hours, providing an extended record of your heart's electrical activity. This record could provide vital information that doesn't always appear on a comparatively brief hospital ECG.

Your provider at Cardiology Specialists of Orange County might ask you to fill in a diary to record your symptoms and activities while the Holter monitor is active. They can then compare your diary entries to your Holter monitor results to see any link.

What is event monitoring?

Event monitoring is similar to Holter monitoring in that the monitor is a portable device you take home with you. However, an event recorder only activates when you're experiencing symptoms of arrhythmia.

Your event monitor records the electrical activity in your heart when you experience fast or slow heartbeats or syncope (dizziness or fainting). Your provider at Cardiology Specialists of Orange County can also use a cardiac event recorder to assess your body's response to medication.

What is mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry?

Mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry devices perform a similar function to Holter and event monitors. However, rather than storing the machine’s information for later download, telemetry technology transmits the recording every time you experience a symptom of arrhythmia.

If you have any queries about arrhythmia monitoring or you're experiencing symptoms of arrhythmia, call Cardiology Specialists of Orange County or book an appointment online today.