Heart Monitor

Heart monitors record your heart’s electrical activity over time, helping doctors find abnormal rhythms that cause symptoms like dizziness or fainting. At AZ Cardiology in Peoria, Prescott, Cottonwood, Flagstaff, and Prescott Valley, Kishlay Anand, MD, MS, FHRS, and Tanvi Sachar, MS, PhD, Chief of Staff, use state-of-the-art heart monitors to diagnose heart rhythm problems accurately. They then turn test results into effective, personalized treatment plans. Contact AZ Cardiology today by phone or online to schedule your heart monitoring evaluation.

What is a heart monitor?

A heart monitor is a small, wearable device that records your heart’s electrical activity over time. Dr. Anand and his colleagues at AZ Cardiology use heart monitors to check for problems with your heart’s rhythm that may not show up during a regular office visit.

By tracking your heartbeat day and night, they can get a clear picture of what’s happening and figure out the best way to help you.

Why would I need a heart monitor?

Dr. Anand may recommend a heart monitor if you have symptoms like:

• Dizziness or fainting spells
• Irregular or skipped heartbeats
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained fatigue

These signs may indicate that your heart is beating too fast, too slow, or in an irregular pattern. A heart monitor helps Dr. Anand see if there’s a problem and how often it happens.

How does a heart monitor work?

A heart monitor records the electrical signals that control your heartbeat. AZ Cardiology uses different types of monitors, including:

Holter monitors

You wear a Holter monitor for 24-48 hours to record your heart continuously.

Event monitors

You wear an event monitor for weeks. They only record when you press a button during symptoms.

Patch monitors

Patch monitors are small, comfortable, sticker-like devices you wear on your chest for days or weeks.

Newer heart monitors send data wirelessly to your doctor, so Dr. Anand and his colleagues can check on your heart in real time.

What can a heart monitor show?

A heart monitor can reveal problems like:

• Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
• Bradycardia (heart beating too slowly)
• Tachycardia (heart beating too quickly)
• Irregular rhythms like atrial fibrillation

By knowing exactly what’s happening, Dr. Anand and his colleagues can diagnose your condition accurately and recommend the best treatment.

How should I prepare for wearing a heart monitor?

You can usually go about your normal activities while wearing a monitor, but you may need to avoid getting it wet, depending on the device. Your AZ Cardiology provider explains everything before you start.

They give you a diary to write down your symptoms, activities, and when they happen. This helps them match your feelings with what your heart monitor records.

AZ Cardiology uses advanced heart monitors to diagnose even the most challenging heart rhythm problems. Schedule an appointment and let Dr. Anand and his colleagues take the guesswork out of your heart care. Call or book online today.