Arrhythmia Detection

By Christopher Sikora, MD

Importance of arrhythmia detection in reducing strokes – how extending arrhythmia monitoring from the traditional 24-hour period can save lives.

Key takeaways

• Arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, can have serious consequences if not detected and treated.
• There are several types of arrhythmias that a Holter monitor can detect, including Atrial fibrillation (AF), Supraventricular tachycardia, Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach), and Bradycardia.
• Benefits of using a Holter monitoring service to detect arrhythmias.
• What to look for in a Holter monitoring service.

Arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, can have serious consequences if not detected and treated as quickly as possible. They can affect the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s vital organs and tissues, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and chest pain. In severe cases, arrhythmias can cause chronic conditions and even be life-threatening.

1. Can a Holter Monitor Detect Arrhythmia?

Yes! One way to detect arrhythmias is through the use of a Holter monitor, a device that continuously records the heart’s electrical activity for a period of 24 to 48 hours, or even for several days. Here, we will discuss the importance of using a Holter monitoring service to detect arrhythmias and prevent strokes.
There are several types of arrhythmias that a Holter monitor can detect, including:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF): This is a type of arrhythmia that occurs when the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat rapidly and irregularly. AF is one of the most common arrhythmias and is associated with an increased risk of stroke. In fact, patients with AF are five times more likely to experience a stroke than those without AF.
• Supraventricular tachycardia: This type of arrhythmia occurs when the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat too fast– often over 100 beats per minute. It can cause symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
• Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach): This type of arrhythmia occurs when the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles) beat too fast. It can be a life-threatening condition, as it can lead to a loss of consciousness and even sudden cardiac arrest.
• Bradycardia: This type of arrhythmia occurs when the heart beats too slowly, often less than 60 beats per minute. The most common symptoms of bradycardia are fatigue, dizziness, and in more serious cases, fainting.

2. How Holter Monitoring Service Works

A Holter monitor is a non-invasive and relatively simple test that requires a patient to wear a monitor on their chest. When equipped, it records the heart’s electrical activity through electrodes gently attached to the skin. The data captured is then transmitted to a portable device, which the patient carries with them for the next 24 hours, 48 hours, or several days. At the end of the prescribed monitoring period, the patient returns the device to their physician, who then analyzes the data to identify abnormal heart rhythms.

3. Benefits of Holter Monitoring Service for Patients with Arrhythmias

Using a Holter monitoring service to detect arrhythmias offers several distinct benefits. First, it allows physicians to obtain a more accurate and comprehensive picture of a patient’s heart rhythm over an extended period of time. A standard EKG/ECG, by contrast, is performed in the doctor’s office, offering more of a proverbial snapshot than a panoramic view. Holter monitoring is particularly useful for detecting arrhythmias that might not occur consistently, or that only occur during certain activities, such as exercise
Another benefit of Holter monitoring is that it can help physicians and their healthcare team determine the best course of treatment for a patient with an arrhythmia. Depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia, treatment options may include medications, lifestyle changes, or even surgery. Holter monitoring can also help doctors determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the patient’s specific needs and, further, be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for arrhythmias. By analyzing the data from the Holter monitor, physicians can determine if a patient’s treatment plan is effectively controlling their arrhythmia and make any necessary adjustments. This is particularly important in the case of Atrial Fibrillation (AF), as untreated or poorly controlled AF can sharply increase the risk of stroke.
Holter monitoring can also be used to monitor the heart’s function after a patient has experienced a stroke. Strokes can often lead to changes in the heart’s electrical activity and blood flow, and Holter monitoring can assist physicians with detecting and managing these changes. By using Holter monitoring to detect arrhythmias and monitor treatment effectiveness, medical professionals can take steps to prevent further complications and improve a patient’s recovery. This test remains an important tool in the detection and treatment of arrhythmias, and it can even help reduce the incidence of stroke.

4. What to Look for in a Holter Monitoring Service

Given recent advances in core technology and design, low-cost Holter monitoring can now be extended to provide 5-day windows. New Holter reporting solutions, such as the all-inclusive UltraLinQ Holter Program with UbiqVue Holter & ECG Interpretation Software, which incorporates the latest disposable medical wearable biosensors, a robust and user-friendly ECG interpretation software, and access to beat-by-beat Holter reports. Extending the Holter monitoring period can help your physician identify patterns and trends that may not be apparent in a standard 24-hour test. In fact, studies* show only 55% of arrhythmias are detected during a 24-hour test and over 90% are detected during a 5-day test.

Let’s revisit the section again on: Can a Holter Monitor Detect Arrhythmia?

Regarding AF: Continuous monitoring is crucial for early detection and management of AF. Early detection can lead to timely intervention, reducing the risk of stroke and other complications. It’s important to have a device with modern and advanced sensors providing accurate, real-time data.
What about Supraventricular tachycardia? Why is this significant? Clinics need continuous heart rate monitoring, which is vital for detecting sporadic episodes of Supraventricular tachycardia.
Early detection and analysis of these episodes can assist in diagnosing the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment strategies.
In cases of V-tach, immediate medical intervention is often necessary. Because of the severe risk of V-tach, clinicians and patients need a program that facilitates prompt diagnosis and intervention. They need a process that simplifies data retrieval, and allows for a seamless process from data upload, to interpretation and report finalization.
Lastly, for Bradycardia, there is an acute need for devices that allow patients to indicate when they’ve had episodes and an interpretation program that highlights such events on the ECG data to help physicians if any intervention or changes in care are needed.
UltraLinQ can do all of this, and more.
If you’re looking to extend your Holter monitoring capabilities while improving the experience for both patients and your staff, contact us now to speak with a member of our team about the UltraLinQ Holter Program or visit www.ultralinq.com/holterservice.

* Turakhia et al (2013). Diagnostic Utility of a Novel Leadless Arrhythmia Monitoring Device. The American Journal of Cardiology.