THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING HOME HEART CARE

An electrocardiogram is a medical test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a 10 second period. It helps healthcare professionals assess the hearts rhythm, detect irregularities and diagnose various heart conditions. 

HOW IT'S PERFORMED:

 
1. Preparation: Before the ECG, the patient is typically asked to lie down on a flat surface. The technologist or healthcare provider will explain the procedure and may ask the patient to expose a small portion of their upper chest and torso (all private areas will remain covered).

2. Electrode Placement: Small, adhesive electrodes are placed at specific locations on the patient's skin. The exact placement may vary, but it usually involves attaching electrodes to the chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes are connected to a machine called an electrocardiograph.

3. Recording: The ECG machine records the electrical impulses generated by the heart as it contracts and relaxes. The electrical impulses travel through the heart in a coordinated manner, and the electrodes on the skin detect these impulses.

4. Results: The ECG produces a graphical representation of the heart's electrical activity, typically in the form of a series of waves and lines on a strip of paper or on a computer screen. Healthcare providers interpret these patterns to assess the heart's rhythm and look for any abnormalities.

A Holter monitor is a portable, wearable device that continuously records a person's heart rhythm (electrocardiogram or ECG) over an extended period of time. It is used to monitor and evaluate cardiac activity during a person's daily activities to detect irregular heart rhythms, symptoms of arrhythmias, and other cardiac issues that may not be captured during a standard ECG. 

HOW IT'S PERFORMED:

1. Preparation: Before the Holter monitor is applied, the patient will be asked to expose a small portion of their upper chest and torso (all private areas will remain covered). The healthcare provider or technologist will explain the procedure, including how to wear and care for the monitor.

2. Electrode Placement: Small, adhesive electrodes are attached to the patient's upper chest and torso at specific locations. The number and placement of electrodes may vary depending on the patient. The electrodes are then connected to the Holter monitor device and will be initialized using computer software. 

3. Wearing the Device: The Holter monitor is a compact device that is worn like a portable pouch or a small device attached to a belt, shoulder strap or waistband. The patient is instructed to wear it continuously for the prescribed monitoring period as recommended by their healthcare provider. It is important to not shower or let the holter device or attached components come in contact with liquid while wearing. 

4. Recording: Throughout the monitoring period, the Holter monitor continuously records the electrical activity of the heart. It stores this information in memory for later analysis. The patient is usually asked to keep a diary of their activities, symptoms, and any notable events during this time. This diary can help healthcare providers correlate symptoms with changes in the ECG.

5. Removing the Monitor: After the monitoring period is complete, the patient returns to the healthcare provider's office or a Home Heart Care representative may arrange to pick it up. The recorded data is then downloaded and analyzed by a Home Heart Care professional to identify any abnormal heart rhythms or other issues. The cardiologist will confirm the report and send back to the referring physician within a few days.