Holter ECG
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Uploaded by
ScribdTranslationsHOLTER ECG
Other designations
Ambulatory electrocardiograph
English:
Holter ECG
Medical applications
Main Use:
A patient may present cardiac signs (pain, palpitations, feeling of the heart
beating very fast, slowly, or irregularly). But if the basic cardiological examination with
a classic ECG is performed outside of symptomatic periods, it may reveal
normal. The Holter ECG, which allows continuous recording of the patient's ECG over a period
predefined by the doctor, will allow to know if these disorders are of cardiac origin even
if they occur only intermittently.
The clinical indications for the use of a Holter ECG include:
the assessment of symptoms that may be related to arrhythmias,
the risk assessment in patients with or without arrhythmia symptoms,
the evaluation of the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic therapy,
the detection of myocardial ischemia.
Fields of application
Cardiology
General medicine,
Emergencies.
Operating principle
The Holter ECG consists of a waterproof recording box with an LCD screen, of 5
electrodes (or more depending on the models and brands), a memory card for recording
continuously from the patient's electrocardiogram and an analysis software.
The electrodes are placed on the patient's chest and connected to the recording box, which can be
worn across the shoulder for convenience. From that moment on, the patient's ECG
will be recorded continuously for 24 hours.
The patient will then be able to signal the onset of the symptom by pressing a button provided.
this effect. If at that moment, no modification of the electrocardiogram is recorded, we
can eliminate a heart-related origin. On the contrary, if an anomaly is recorded, it can
so it can be analyzed more precisely.
Available options and versions on the market
Recent Holter ECGs can record between two and twelve channels. But the number
The number of electrodes is generally limited to ten for convenience reasons.
Some cases have their own analysis system, which theoretically allows one to
to step from the computer and the software and thus be able to interpret the results as soon as the end of
the recording. The reliability of these systems remains limited, however.
There are now ECG Holters that patients can wear for more than one
week with an automatic start-up in case of a crisis.
There is also an implantable ECG Holter. In the form of a metal case the size of
a small lighter, this one is implanted under the skin (generally under a collarbone), under
local anesthesia. It allows for a recording that can last up to one year.
Version 08/2007 1 out of 1
Adapted structures
Health facility equipped with an Emergency or Cardiology department.
Main accessories and consumables
Consumables and accessories to anticipate
Designation Price range
Single-use electrodes (5 to 10) About €4 for 30
ECG cables About 170€ for 10 lanes
Memory card 50€
Pile AA 3€
Comments
Interview
To maintain the ECG Holter in good working condition, it is enough to follow the precautions.
following:
Remove the batteries when the Holter is not in use for a certain period.
During use, do not expose it to temperatures lower than 0°C or higher than
45°C in direct sunlight,
Keep it away from humidity,
Regularly clean the exterior surface of the case with a damp cloth.
Maintenance
Required level of education:
The personnel involved in the repair and maintenance of this type of equipment must have undergone a
training on its operation, maintenance, and associated risks. This training is
generally provided by the manufacturer, an authorized organization, or a qualified person.
Knowledge in electronics and computer science is necessary.
Maintenance :
Preventive maintenance
Replace the battery after 8 days of monitoring
Corrective maintenance
ECG leads can become stripped and/or cut => then replace the patient lead (ECG leads).
Write or read error of the SD card => replace the SD card with a compatible one for the Holter.
Usage precautions
Required education level:
Only a doctor with in-depth knowledge of cardiology (cardiologist)
emergency physician) is authorized to interpret the results of the Holter ECG. Furthermore, some
Computer knowledge is necessary for him to use the analysis software provided with
the Holter ECG.
The nursing staff is authorized to set up the electrodes and the device on the
patient.
Doctors and nursing staff must have undergone training in the use of the device.
generally provided by the manufacturer, an authorized organization, or a competent person.
Precaution
Version 08/2007 1 out of 2
The patient should not take a shower or bath during the recording period (risk
electrical shock)
Do not immerse the ECG Holter in liquid, even if it is waterproof.
During the entire recording, it is important to ensure that the electrodes do not detach.
not of the thorax,
The patient must inform his cardiologist of the medications he takes regularly, some
of which could skew the interpretation of the electrocardiogram obtained with the Holter ECG.
Installation constraints
Cf: usage precautions
Routing
Volume 100mm*60mm*20mm
Weight 200 to 400 g
Special precautions
Resource persons
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_rate_disorders#Holter_ECG
http://www.e-cardiologie.com/examens/ex-holter.shtml
http://www.medisite.fr/medisite/Holter-ECG.html
REMARKS
This document is provided for informational purposes only and in no way constitutes a manual.
to obtain additional information on a specific model of equipment, please contact directly
to the manufacturer concerned. You can also contact the resource people whose contact details
are indicated at the end of the sheet.
This document is part of a series of material info sheets developed and validated by the group of
work "medical equipment in international cooperation actions" coordinated by the association
Humatem. This series is freely available on the site.ewww.humatem.org.
