Ambulatory electrocardiography

Ambulatory Electrocardiography is a medical diagnostic procedure that involves the continuous monitoring and recording of the electrical activity of the heart while the patient carries on with their normal daily activities. This procedure is also known as Holter monitoring or event monitoring.

Overview

Ambulatory electrocardiography is used to detect and analyze irregular heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias, that may not occur during a standard ECG test. The device used for this procedure is a portable ECG machine, which is typically worn for 24 to 48 hours.

Procedure

The procedure involves attaching electrodes to the patient's chest. These electrodes are connected to a small, portable recording device. The device records the heart's electrical activity over a specified period of time, usually 24 to 48 hours. The patient is encouraged to go about their normal daily activities and to keep a diary of any symptoms they experience.

Uses

Ambulatory electrocardiography is used to detect heart conditions that may not be apparent during a standard ECG test. These conditions include arrhythmias, ischemia, and cardiac dysrhythmias. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for these conditions.

Limitations

While ambulatory electrocardiography is a valuable diagnostic tool, it does have some limitations. It can only record the heart's electrical activity for a limited period of time, and it may not capture irregular heart rhythms that occur infrequently. In addition, the device may be uncomfortable to wear and may interfere with the patient's normal activities.

See also

• Electrocardiogram
• Holter monitor
• Event monitor
• Arrhythmia
• Ischemia
• Cardiac dysrhythmia