Holter monitor

A holter monitor or ambulatory electrocardiography device is a portable equipment that is used to monitor electrical activity of the heart. There are a series of electrodes attached to the chest of the patient that can record electrical signals from the heart. There is a recording monitor that can be carried in the pocket or worn around the neck. The patient's EKG for 24 hours is recorded. Values such as average heart rate, maximum and minimum heart rate are calculated. ECG tracing using Holter monitor is conducted on patients who suffer prolonged fatigue and episodes of low blood pressure and fainting. A Holter monitor aids in recording any abnormal activity of the heart. The Holter monitor is worn by the patient as he/she goes about his daily routine. It is possible to observe occasional cardiac arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation and atrial tachycardia with a Holter monitor. This device is also adviced for patients who have suffered a heart attack or under cardiac medication. A Holter monitor aids in monitoring the performance of a heart pacemaker. Smoking and close proximity to devices such as magnets and metal detectors and some electrical appliances can affect the Holter monitor readings.

Pericarditis

The pericardium is a thin membrane surrounding the heart. When this membrance is swollen or disturbed, it leads to Pericarditis. The inflamed pericardium increases the lubricating fluid surrounding the heart, thereby laying pressure on the heart. Pericarditis usually occurs after a heart attack or trauma. Any tumor or auto-immune disease can also bring on pericarditis.

Acute pericarditis causes sudden pain. This happens when the pericardium brushes against the heart's outer layers. Bacterial, viral or fungal infections can bring on pericarditis. This sometimes leads to pus in the pericardial sac. Pericarditis that occurs after a heart attack or surgery is referred to as Dressler's syndrome. It is a body autoimmune reaction. Constrictive Pericarditis occurs when the pericardial layers become stiff and stick together. This leads to swelling on the hands and feet as well as atrial fibrillation. Symptoms of pericarditis include shortness of breath while lying down and abdominal swelling. There may be low-grade fever and overall fatigue. Dry cough is noticed in some patients suffering from pericarditis. Chest pain with pericarditis is usually stabbing and felt in the center of the heart.

Diagnosis of pericarditis is done with ECG, MRI and chest x-rays. Complete Blood Count (CBC) and other blood tests to measure cardiac enzymes aid in diagnosing pericarditis. Rest is recommended and in severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. NSAIDS are prescribed to decrease the pain and inflammation. Any infection is treated with antibiotics. If atrial fibrillation is noticed, anti-arrhythmics are prescribed. Somtimes costicosteroids are used for treating inflammation. Diuretics aid in removing excess fluid. The pericardial fluid may be drained to aid better functioning of the heart.

Cardiac Arrhythmia

Cardiac arrhythmia refers to a disturbance of the heart rhythm. When the regular heart rhythm is disturbed, it can lead to symptoms that can range from mild to life-threatening. The heart may have slower beats or there may be a blockage of the electrical pathway of the heart. One of the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation. This occurs in older persons when the upper atrial chambers of the heart do not pump correctly. This can lead to blood clots. Heart failure or electrolyte imbalance can bring on cardiac arrhythmia.

Tachycardia is a condition where there is rapid heartbeat due to inefficiency in the blood circulation. Tachycardia is a condition where the heart rhythm is more than 100 beats/minute. This can happen due to stress, hyperthyroidism or alcohol. On the other hand, Bradycardia is a condition where the heart rhythm is less than 60 beats/min. A ventricular arrhythmia can be life-threatening. This happens when there is ventricular fibrillation. It is essential to treat this condition and restore the rhythm within minutes to prevent heart damage and death. Allergic reactions can trigger arrhythmias.

Some persons suffering from cardiac arrhythmia notice symptoms such as dizziness, fainting and lightheadedness. There may be a fluttering or pounding sensation in the chest. Antiarrhythmic agents such as amiodarone and sotalol are prescribed to maintain the normal rhythm of the heart. In cases of atrial fibrillation, warfarin is used to prevent blood clots. Medication for cardiac arrhythmia includes beta blockers such as metoprolol and atenolol to reduce the heart rhythm. An electronic cardiac pacemaker may be implanted to regulate the heart beat.