The work of almost every cardiologist, therapist or family doctor is not complete without Holter monitoring of the electrocardiogram (ECG). Such a study has taken its rightful place among the basic diagnostic procedures for assessing the condition and functions of the heart. Now it is difficult to imagine an effective diagnosis of arrhythmias and control the effectiveness of the therapy performed without using long-term recording of cardiac activity parameters.
Content
The Holter monitoring system is a complex of medical equipment for continuous long-term ECG recording in the conditions of the patient's daily activities with data recording on a storage medium and subsequent playback of the recorded signals for deciphering and interpreting the results.
The new research method got its name in honor of the American biophysicist and inventor Norman Holter, who was the first to create a portable cardiograph for continuous ECG recording for a day or more (up to a week).
The mechanism of operation of the daily heart monitor is similar to the ECG equipment. With the help of patches on the patient's body, sensors are installed that record the electrical activity of the myocardium. As a rule, seven electrodes are used for registration.
The received data are sent via wires to a recorder equipped with a memory card, where they are stored until the moment of analysis by specialists and writing a conclusion for interpretation by a cardiologist.
Sometimes, along with the placement of electrodes, a cuff is placed on the patient's shoulder to fix blood pressure.
The latest popular models have the function of online data transfer.
During the examination, the patient fills out a journal, where he enters information about the physical and emotional state, sleep time (including during the day), meals and medications, as well as any stress and changes in well-being. With this approach, complex diagnostics are obtained.
After removing the equipment, the doctor of functional diagnostics examines the indications and enters the information from the diary into the computer. The conclusion is worked out on the basis of the information received and usually the result is ready the next day.
Features of Holter monitoring are to study cardiac activity in the course of the patient's ordinary life, when everyday situations affect the work of the heart. As a result, negative aspects that remain invisible during a routine examination are revealed, and hidden heart diseases are diagnosed: arrhythmia, sluggish angina pectoris, painless ischemia, etc.
The main components of modern Holter monitoring systems:
1. With a permanent record.
The most practiced monitoring with the duration of the examination for one to three days and the registration of up to 100 thousand heart cycles. Some devices analyze the state of the ventricular complex (QRST), and in the event of a specific deviation provide feedback.
2. Fragmentary.
As a rule, it is prescribed to patients in an outpatient setting to register a cardiogram for arrhythmia, the attacks of which do not occur often. For this, an “event” recorder is used, equipped with a special button on the recorder. In case of deterioration of the patient's condition, press the start button and the ECG recording begins.In addition, this method does not exclude installation and continuous operation.
3. Implantable.
For a long-term ECG recording of several months.
1. The urgent need for research in cases:
2. Obtaining new information to change the diagnosis or appointment when:
3. Assessment of the risks of further deterioration of the condition without changing the final diagnosis, prognosis and treatment tactics in the following cases:
There are no absolute contraindications for health. Relative contraindications are burns, chest injuries with other violations of the integrity of the skin in the areas where the sensors are attached. In the case of increased activity of the subject (sensors can fly off from waving his arms, sudden movements or when jumping), the study will be difficult.
According to cardiologists, there are no restrictions on age or concomitant diseases for the examination, because it does not interfere with the work of the patient's body and everyday life.
There is no danger of electric shock when wearing the device.
The average price of a daily examination in Moscow is 3,500 rubles. First of all, the cost is affected by the functionality and price of the device itself - the latest devices with 12 leads are much more expensive than those that record two or three leads.
An important role is played by the qualification of a specialist, since the consultation of a doctor of the highest category with a scientific title is valued much higher than the conclusion that a young doctor will provide. In addition, the urgency of decoding also affects the price, according to patient reviews.
Holter monitoring systems are sold in retail chains engaged in the sale of medical equipment, as well as in companies producing such equipment or order inexpensive new items online in the online store. Consultants who have undergone special training will prompt and give recommendations and advice - selection criteria, what kind of holters are, how to choose, how much the right product costs, which company is better to buy and what to look for in order to avoid mistakes when choosing.
At the same time, ordinary buyers do not have to worry about where to buy modern holters. The best manufacturers and conscientious sellers work only with legal entities and representatives of medical institutions, offering the best budget models or premium products for cardiology departments. The "grey market" may offer products and models that have nothing to do with real Norman Holter diagnostic equipment.
The rating of high-quality models of Holter monitoring systems is based on the feedback of specialists involved in the purchase of medical equipment for their institutions. The popularity of models is due to functionality, ease of use and management, as well as versatility. The review presents a rating of holters with the main characteristics, photos and descriptions, divided by the number of leads for fixing the parameters - three and 12 channel devices.
Brand - "Valenta" (Russia).
The manufacturing company is Neo Company LLC (Russia).
Wearable model for continuous recording of ECG simultaneously in three leads.Provides effective assistance in the rapid detection of heart rhythm failures and the detection of ischemic disorders. The device is recommended for equipping healthcare facilities, primarily for use in cardiology departments. Equipped with an event button to remember changes in the patient's condition.
The use of special software allows you to highlight areas of artifacts, analyze QT, filter noise and evaluate changes in heart rate.
The operating mode is set in 10 minutes. The minimum time between failures is not less than two thousand hours. Service life - five years, manufacturer's warranty - two years. Dimensions - 72x63x20 mm, weight - 60 grams.
You can buy at a price of 45,000 rubles.
Video tutorial for installing the device:
Brand - "Monitor" (Russia).
Country of origin - Russia.
A compact product that allows you to detect cardiovascular diseases of various directions in an outpatient setting. The three-channel model allows long-term ECG monitoring with subsequent data transfer to a computer for analysis. Precise signal processing is performed by the Safe Heart System software with professional hand tools and automated systems. On a modern screen, modes, alarms, curves and other important information are displayed in high resolution.Recognition of more than 80% of available artifacts is guaranteed.
Diagnosis accuracy is enhanced by the ability to edit incorrect automatic interpretation. Reports are printed on the printer in accordance with predefined forms (duration of observation, patient data, date, cardiogram, heart rate data, ST shifts, etc.).
Dimensions - 107x77x32 mm, weight no more than 150 grams with a cover.
Sold at a price of 84500 rubles.
Brand - Bplab (Russia).
Producer - Pyotr Telegin LLC (Russia).
Universal model for long-term or short-term recording of ECG parameters in two or three leads for diagnosing the functioning of the heart. The device is included in the list of standard equipment for departments of functional diagnostics. A good solution when servicing an intensive flow of patients. The ability to classify and group QRS with the distribution of information for easy storage and further use. Intuitive control interface.
The backlight of the monitor provides a good reading of the data. The maximum duration of monitoring is not less than 11 days.
Sold at a price of 121,000 rubles.
Brand - Astel.
Country of origin - Russia.
A modern system for electrocardiological monitoring of the state of the myocardium and continuous recording of the electrocardiogram. Included in the equipment standard for medical institutions. Works in two or three leads with the ability to connect the cable of a freely moving patient. The resistance of the placed electrodes is controlled without a computer.
The "Event" button for the label on the cardiogram is set. The daily record is transferred in 40 seconds. There is a function for assessing the quality of the recorded ECG on the computer display and on the registrar.
Warranty period 12 months. You can buy at a price of 127350 rubles.
Holter installation video:
Brand - "INKART" (Russia).
Country Russia.
A compact model of diagnostic equipment with two functions, Russian-made according to German technology, for hospitals. The workstation is designed for multi-day continuous monitoring of blood pressure and registration of the patient's ECG in 12 or three leads. Equipped with external and internal motion sensors.In the process of work, not only motor activity is recorded, but also the position of the body. The duration of registration of ECG leads is up to 48 hours.
Blood pressure is measured using the oscillometric method and Korotkoff sounds. You can keep a detailed electronic diary of the patient. Product weight - 330 grams (with battery).
Offered at a price of 325,900 rubles.
Video check of the monitoring system:
Brand - Astrocard (Russia).
Country Russia.
Universal combined set for Holter diagnostics of domestic production for medical institutions. The updated functionality allows you to record data on 12 leads. Easily measures blood pressure by two methods for various diagnoses - auscultatory and oscillometric.
You can analyze heart rhythm disturbances and ST-dynamics, QT interval and variability. The cardiogram is recorded with high resolution. Compressors and valves installed in the device are of German and Japanese production.
The price depends on the configuration and varies from 120,000 to 946,000 rubles.
Brand - Edan (China).
Country - China.
Lightweight digital device for daily monitoring of myocardial activity through 3/12 channels for outpatient examinations or in clinical cardiology. The duration of continuous operation from AAA batteries is up to seven days. The ECG trend is displayed online. Data is stored on SD cards.
Cardiograms are displayed on the monitor in real time.
Brand - Cardioline (Italy).
Country - Italy.
Ergonomic product for continuous recording of 12-channel ECG lasting from one to seven days. The built-in color LCD monitor simultaneously displays up to six online channels and other relevant information. Intuitive and clear management is carried out by the convenient joystick.
The functionality allows you to keep a "voice diary", determine the position of the subject in space, as well as connect to a computer via a USB port or via Bluetooth. Built-in memory 1 GB.
Dimensions 96x65x20 mm. Weight - 80/105 grams (without / with battery).
The price is from 243,900 rubles to 387,700 rubles, depending on the configuration.
Brand - Schiller (Switzerland).
Country - Switzerland.
An advanced 3- or 12-channel ECG wearable device to meet the most demanding, accurate diagnostic needs in cardiology clinics. The use of the latest PureECG technology reduces the workload. Mobile ECG recording has been enhanced by the development of a unique amplifier for high quality recorded readings. When AF/AFL configuration is selected for a week, three ECG channels can be operated without battery replacement.
Displaying the data obtained during the examination on a convenient monitor. You can record voice data using the built-in microphone.
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