Rhythm Monitoring Specialist

What is rhythm monitoring?

Every beat of your heart is powered by an electrical wave that causes your heart muscles to squeeze and contract, moving blood through your heart and body. 

The team at Coral Gables Cardiology Associates uses rhythm monitoring to evaluate your heart activity. Understanding the abnormalities in your heart's electrical activity helps your doctor diagnose problems and design treatment plans to improve and protect your health. 

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

An EKG is an in-office test that monitors and records the electrical activity in your heart. It's non-invasive, safe, and painless. A technician attaches sticky electrodes to your chest, arms, and legs and then connects them to wires leading to the recording device. 

The electrodes pick up the electrical activity in your heart and transmit the information to the computer. The computer records and displays the data as waves on a monitor. You need to stay as still as possible for most of the tests.

Holter monitoring/Event monitoring

An EKG only shows a short period of heart activity. If your in-office EKG doesn’t provide enough information, your doctor might recommend an at-home Holter or event monitor to record your heart activity for an extended period of time ranging from 24 hours to 2 weeks.

As with an EKG, a technician attaches a small (3inch x 1 inch) sticker device to the top of your chest. The device can be worn in the shower and is somewhat water-resistant. The device also has a button on it which you can push when you develop symptoms. This helps your physician correlate your symptoms with the rhythm at that specific moment.

Why would I need rhythm monitoring?

Your physician might recommend an EKG, Holter monitor, or event monitor if you have symptoms, such as:

• Chest pain;
• Dizziness;
• Confusion;
• Heart palpitations;
• Rapid heartbeat;
• Shortness of breath;
• Weakness;
• Decreased ability to exercise;
• Fatigue; or
• Loss of consciousness.

Rhythm monitoring helps the team at Coral Gables Cardiology Associates to diagnose conditions, including arrhythmia and coronary artery disease. It can also show whether you've had a heart attack or if your cardiovascular treatments are working. 

How should I prepare for rhythm monitoring?

You have a consultation with your physician before your rhythm monitoring. 

If your physician recommends Holter or event monitoring, a technician helps you attach the small device and shows you how to use it. You carry on with your regular daily activities while wearing your monitor.

Speak to your physician to learn more about the rhythm monitoring services offered at Coral Gables Cardiology Associates

We serve the greater Miami, Florida area. Call us to book your appointment today.