Overview
Cardiac monitors are essential tools for tracking heart health, especially when symptoms like irregular heartbeat or chest pain occur. In this blog, we cover common types of heart monitors, including the holter monitor, event monitor, EKG, and more. Each monitor serves a different purpose, from short-term checks to long-term heart rhythm tracking. By understanding these devices, you can make informed decisions on which one is best for your health needs.
Cardiac monitors are devices used to check the health of your heart. These devices help doctors see how well your heart is working, check your heart rate, and even catch any irregular heart beat (also called arrhythmia). There are many types of heart monitors, and choosing the right one can depend on what your doctor needs to check and how long you need to monitor your heart. In this article, we will talk about some common types of heart monitors and help you understand which one might be right for you.
What Is a Cardiac Monitor?
A cardiac monitor is a device that keeps track of your heart rhythm. It shows doctors important information about your heart, like your heart rate and if there are any irregular heart beat patterns. Some monitors are worn for a short time, while others may be worn for weeks. The goal is to get the most accurate EKG readings to help doctors understand your heart’s condition.
Why Do You Need a Cardiac Monitor?
Doctors may recommend a cardiac monitor if you have symptoms like:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- A fast or irregular heart rate
A holter monitor or other types of heart monitors may be used to help diagnose heart conditions.
Types of Heart Monitors
There are several different types of heart monitors. Let’s look at the most common ones:
1. Holter Monitor
A holter monitor is a small, wearable device that records your heart’s activity for a full 24 to 48 hours. It’s often used if you have symptoms like chest pain or dizziness, but your doctor doesn’t see any problems during a regular heart check-up.
Features of a Holter Monitor:
- Worn for 1 to 2 days
- Records your heart rhythm throughout the day
- Helps catch irregular heartbeat that happens during normal activities
- Used to check for issues that don’t show up in a regular electrocardiogram test
- Non-invasive and easy to wear, usually with sticky patches on your chest.
This monitor is great for detecting heart issues that may not show up during a quick visit to the doctor. The holter monitor records EKG readings over a long period, allowing doctors to see patterns in your heart’s rhythm.
2. Event Monitor
An event monitor is another type of heart monitor that is used to record your heart’s activity, but it is usually worn for a longer time than a holter monitor. You wear it for weeks or even months. This monitor is activated by you when you feel symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Features of an Event Monitor:
- Worn for a few weeks or longer
- Records only when you push a button (after feeling symptoms)
- Good for checking if your symptoms are caused by irregular heart beat
- More convenient than a holter monitor if you don’t need constant monitoring
- Easy to wear and can be small enough to fit in your pocket or attached to a belt
Event monitors are helpful if you don’t have symptoms all the time but want to catch them when they happen. You can activate the monitor when you feel something unusual, and it will record the EKG readings during that time.
3. Mobile Cardiac Telemetry (MCT)
Mobile cardiac telemetry (MCT) is a more advanced type of heart monitor. It continuously records your heart activity, sending the data to a doctor in real-time. This is good for patients who need constant monitoring but also want a device that does not need to be checked manually.
Features of MCT:
- Continuously monitors your heart rhythm 24/7
- Sends your EKG readings to your doctor in real time
- Used for patients with serious or ongoing heart issues
- Helps doctors see irregular heartbeat patterns as they happen
- Often worn for a few days or weeks
MCT is useful for people who need to be watched closely for any changes in their heart rate or heart rhythm. Because the data is sent directly to your doctor, they can act quickly if they see any problems.
4. Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR)
An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a small device that is placed under the skin near your heart. It’s used for people who have symptoms that are rare or hard to catch. It can monitor your heart rhythm for up to 3 years.
Features of ILR:
- Small and implanted under the skin
- Records your EKG readings automatically
- Used for long-term monitoring (up to 3 years)
- Good for detecting rare irregular heartbeat patterns
- Doesn’t need to be removed for regular activities
An ILR is great for people who have very occasional heart symptoms, and traditional monitors can’t catch them. This device works quietly in the background to record your heart’s activity.
5. Standard Electrocardiogram Test (ECG or EKG)
The electrocardiogram test (also called EKG) is the most basic and common heart test. It records your heart’s electrical activity for a short time, usually a few minutes. It is often done in a doctor’s office or hospital.
Features of an EKG:
- Takes only a few minutes to perform
- Records your heart rate and heart rhythm
- Good for detecting problems like heart attacks or irregular heart beat
- No need to wear a device, as electrodes are placed on your chest
- Easy to do and non-invasive
An EKG is great for an immediate check of your heart rhythm, but it may not be able to detect issues that only happen sometimes. That’s why other monitors, like a holter monitor or event monitor, may be needed.
Which Heart Monitor Is Right for You?
The choice of heart monitor depends on your symptoms, your doctor’s recommendations, and how long you need to monitor your heart. Here are some things to think about:
- If you have irregular heart beat often, a holter monitor or event monitor might be right for you.
- If your doctor needs to track your heart continuously, an MCT might be a good choice.
- For rare symptoms, an implantable loop recorder may be necessary.
- For a quick check of your heart rate and heart rhythm, a standard electrocardiogram test (EKG) is a great option.
- Your doctor will help you choose the right monitor based on your health and how often your symptoms occur.
A word from the doctor —
There are many types of heart monitors available, and each one serves a different purpose. Whether you need short-term monitoring with an EKG, or longer-term monitoring with a holter monitor or event monitor, these devices help doctors understand your heart rhythm and detect irregular heart beat. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and get the right monitor to keep your heart healthy.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanul Corrielus right away if you have questions about your heart health!
