No matter how you look at it, heart disease is one of the fastest-spreading diseases in the United States. So much so that, in recent years, it has become the leading cause of death. This is why to battle cardiovascular diseases, cardiologists all around the world have adopted the use of Holter Monitors.
Although small and remote, a Holter monitor can help detect underlying diseases and can record the electrical activity of one’s heart. However, there are certain restrictions while wearing a Holter monitor that one needs to be careful of.
Basic Restrictions While Wearing A Holter Monitor | What Not To Do
If your doctor has attached a Holter monitor to you, or you will be undergoing the process soon, don’t worry. No matter how intimidating it seems, there is nothing to be afraid of.
In most cases, Holter monitors are fitted for 24 hours. This allows for accurate data collection even while you’re asleep. Nevertheless, as light as a Holter monitor is, there are a few restrictions you should keep in mind, such as:
- Avoid showering or swimming. Do not let water anywhere near the Holter monitor.
- Stay away from magnets. Try not to let anything magnetic near the monitor box.
- Do not pass through metal detectors.
- Refrain from using electronics with high-voltage power. (Electric toothbrushes, blenders, microwave oven, etc.)
- Keep your cellphone, mp3 player, or any other handheld device at least 6 inches away from the Holter monitor box.
- Avoid electrical wires of all kinds, especially those plugged in.
- Sleep on your back rather than on your side to keep the electrodes from sliding away.
- Try not to have any X-Ray taken while wearing a Holter monitor.
- Do not smoke or drink.
- Abstain from having anything caffeine related.
What You Can Do Instead
Even though it might feel like there’s a restriction on everything, that is not the case. There are plenty of day-to-day activities you can pursue without worrying about your Holter monitor.
For instance, you can go to school or work just like normal. In fact, cardiologists encourage maintaining your daily routine since it helps to unearth the trigger behind your heart condition.
Moreover, rather than the basic electronics, you can still do the following, even while wearing a Holter monitor:
- Use your phone or laptop. (As long as it’s a few inches away from your chest)
- Continue your daily tasks.
- Light exercises or jogging, anything that causes less perspiration.
- Use wet wipes or cloths to clean yourself if needed.
What To Keep In Mind
Simply put, a Holter monitor is a great advancement in the field of medicine. Even though you have to follow some basic restrictions while wearing a Holter monitor, there are plenty of activities you can manage through. Just make sure to keep an eye on the electronics, especially those with a high-voltage unit.
For more information on remote heart monitoring, contact Octagos Health at (281) 769-8733. You can also come find us at 13325 Hargrave Rd Suite 281, Houston, TX 77070, on the first floor of the Hargrave Plaza.