If the electrocardiogram (EKG) performed in the office doesn’t capture any problems, yet your child’s symptoms suggest cause for concern, they need Holter monitoring. The caring cardiologists at Capital Pediatric Cardiology specialize in heart testing, including Holter monitoring that captures a 24-hour record of your child’s heartbeat. Call one of their 10 offices in Sacramento, Roseville, Modesto, Placerville, Cameron Park, Davis, Stockton, Chico, Anderson, and Reading, California, or request an appointment online today.
Holter monitoring, also called ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring, records your child’s heartbeat when they’re not in the office.
The Holter monitor is a small device that functions like the electrocardiogram (EKG), picking up and recording the heart’s electrical activity while your child does their usual activities.
They typically wear the monitor for 24 hours. During that time, the Holter monitor continuously records their heartbeat.
The EKGs performed in the office record a brief moment in time. Sometimes, unusual electrical activity doesn’t occur during the EKG. If your child’s symptoms suggest they could have an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or a clogged artery, your provider uses the Holter monitor to detect the problem.
Symptoms associated with arrhythmias include:
Young children may not be aware of or be able to explain palpitations.
Your provider places self-adhesive electrodes on your child’s chest and uses wires to connect the electrodes to a small monitor. They can wear the monitor clipped to a belt or pocket or put it in a pouch attached to a strap and wear it around their waist.
Your child can stay involved in all their usual activities, except the electrodes must stay dry. That means they can’t shower, bathe, go swimming, or enjoy any water-based activities for 24 hours.
Parents get a diary to keep track of their child’s activities, moods, and symptoms while wearing the Holter monitor. Information about when symptoms occur and what your child was doing at the time helps your provider find links between activities, stress, and heart problems.
Your provider gives you detailed information about how to keep the electrodes attached, when to call for help, and certain things your child should avoid, like metal detectors and using electrical appliances. After 24 hours pass, you can remove the electrodes and monitor and return the device to the office.
Call Capital Pediatric Cardiology or request a Holter monitoring consultation online today.