Do you need to perform a Holter test in Barcelona?

The Holter, whether cardiac, ECG or blood pressure, is used to identify potential heart disease. It can be prescribed by the cardiologist or the treating physician and provides essential information about the health of the patient's heart. It also allows the specialist to propose a personalised treatment plan for the patient.

The cardiologists at our medical clinic in Barcelona are well aware of the role of prevention and early diagnosis. They will be able to offer you the latest technology in Holters and will put their knowledge and experience to provide the best possible diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.

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holter cardiaque

What is a Holter?

A Holter is not an examination as such. It is a small device, fitted with electrodes, which allows various data collection from a patient which can then be analysed. It is named after its inventor, Dr Norman Holter.

The Holter is generally used in cases of suspected disease or for follow-up in the monitoring of patients with heart disease.

There are several types of holter:

A healthy heart is the motor of life.

Our English-speaking cardiologists welcome you for the diagnosis and treatment of all your cardiovascular problems.

cardiologue

Why use the Holter?

The Holter is a diagnostic tool that is frequently used by cardiologists. By monitoring the heart rhythm, the electrical signal of the heart and the blood pressure over a prolonged period of time, the cardiologist is able to detect many heart diseases.

In general, the Holter is prescribed to the patient in case of suspicion of diseases such as:

  • tachycardia
  • bradycardia
  • atrial fibrillation
  • extrasystoles
  • angina pectoris
  • myocardial infarction, etc.

How is a Holter fitted?

The Holter is a small device that weighs between 150 and 250 grams and is not particularly intrusive. The patient who wears a Holter must continue to carry out their normal daily activities so that the recording takes place as accurate as possible to everyday life.

For the cardiac Holter or Holter ECG, the installation only takes about 15 minutes and is absolutely painless:

  • After cleaning the skin, five self-adhesive electrodes are placed on the patient's chest and covered with an adhesive strip;
  • The device is connected to it and slipped into a pouch placed on a shoulder strap or belt.

The Holter Blood Pressure Monitor is applied in just a few minutes. The inflatable blood pressure cuff is placed on the less active arm, i.e. the left arm for right-handed people and the right arm for left-handed people. The cuff is then connected to a programmable automatic recording device, which will automatically record and store all the data relating to the blood pressure measurements taken during the day.

In all three cases, the patient is given a logbook to record the key events of the day and their times of occurrence: getting up, going to bed, eating, taking medication, exertion, as well as any symptoms that may be experienced: palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, loss of consciousness.

Our English-speaking cardiologists

Dr. Antonela Costa

Cardiologist
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Dr. Pau Rello

Cardiologist
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Our answers to the most frequently asked questions about Holters

How to sleep with a cardiac Holter?

While you are sleeping, the Holter monitor should remain close enough to you so that the electrodes are not removed from your chest during the night. Many people find it easier to sleep on their side with the device close to their body.

What to wear on the day of a blood pressure hotter?

On the day of your Holter placement, choose loose-fitting clothes (to allow the box to be worn comfortably) and avoid wearing low-cut clothes (to hide the electrodes). Also, for your comfort, we advise you to avoid wearing a bra with a metal frame: a brassiere is preferable.

How do you know if the Holter is working properly?

There is an event marker button on the box. You should activate it if there are symptoms: discomfort, palpitations, pain. These symptoms should also be recorded on the paper chart.