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Could Your Heart Be Hiding Arrhythmias? Find Out with Ambulatory ECG
Published: May 13, 2024
Heart arrhythmias can be silent but deadly. Ambulatory ECG monitors might just be the tool you need to uncover these hidden risks.
Understanding Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats that can lead to severe health complications if not detected early. They can occur sporadically, making them hard to catch with a regular ECG. Monitoring over extended periods with ambulatory ECG devices increases the chances of detecting these irregularities, potentially preventing future heart problems.
How Ambulatory ECG Helps
Ambulatory ECG monitors, by recording heart activity over time, can uncover arrhythmias that might otherwise go unnoticed. This is especially valuable for those with symptoms like unexplained fainting or palpitations. Early detection of arrhythmias allows for timely interventions, reducing the risk of complications such as strokes or heart failure.
Choosing the Right Monitoring Strategy
The choice of monitoring strategy should be based on symptom frequency and potential risk. Continuous monitors like Holter are suitable for frequent symptoms, while event monitors or insertable monitors suit less frequent, but potentially serious symptoms. By tailoring the monitoring approach, patients can receive the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
They're irregular heartbeats that can lead to serious health issues.
It records heart activity over time, catching irregularities missed by standard ECGs.
It allows for timely treatment, reducing the risk of complications.
Anyone with unexplained fainting, palpitations, or at risk of heart issues.
The Bottom Line
Could an undetected arrhythmia be lurking in your heart?
References
- Afzal MR, Gunda S, Waheed S, et al. Role of Outpatient Cardiac Rhythm Monitoring in Cryptogenic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2015; 38:1236.
- Steinberg JS, Varma N, Cygankiewicz I, et al. 2017 ISHNE-HRS expert consensus statement on ambulatory ECG and external cardiac monitoring/telemetry. Heart Rhythm 2017; 14:e55.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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