Fletcher Allen, a Vermont university hospital and medical center, serves all of
Vermont and the northern New York region. Located in Burlington, Fletcher Allen is a regional, academic healthcare center and teaching hospital in alliance with the University of Vermont.
Heart Monitoring
To properly diagnose your problem, Fletcher Allen’s heart rhythm experts may recommend using a monitoring device to record your heart’s activity over a period of time. This can help identify the cause of the abnormal rhythm. There are many different types of monitoring devices, including:
Holter Monitor
A small portable electrocardiogram (ECG) machine that records the heart’s electrical activity over a 24-48 hour period. It tracks every heartbeat throughout the monitoring period, providing diagnostic information about the type of arrhythmia, how long it lasts, and what might trigger it.The monitor works by attaching small electrodes to the chest. Wires travel from the electrodes to a small portable box that is worn on the belt or shoulder strap. The box continuously records and stores heart rhythm data transmitted by the electrodes. After use, it is returned to your physician who will review the findings.
Event Recorder
A device similar to a Holter monitor but used to record the heart’s activity for a much longer period of time – from 14 to 30 days. You can wear the recorder as you go about your normal activities and press a record button if you feel symptoms. The device is about the size of a pager and can be clipped to a belt or placed in a pocket. Wires connect the device to electrodes worn on the chest. After use, it is returned to your physician who will review the findings.The recorder can be used to determine if recurrent symptoms -- such as dizziness, chest pain, palpitation or fainting spells – are caused by an abnormal heart rhythm.
Implantable Loop Recorder
These devices are used to help identify the causes of symptoms, which may be related to an abnormal heart rhythm but occur very infrequently. It is a small device implanted under the skin below the collar bone. The recorder continuously records heart activity similar to an ECG for up to 2 years. If you experience fainting, the device records the heart’s activity before, during and after the episode. The information in the device is downloaded at your physician’s office for review.
Wireless Monitoring Devices
Devices that are capable of automatically transmitting information from your event recorder or monitor to your physician for review, on an on-going basis. These devices combine monitoring technology, wireless communications and the Internet and often do not require any action on your part.
