Holter Monitoring

For Physicians

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How much does your service cost?

In most cases, CardioScan will provide digital monitors and analysis at NO CHARGE to our participating clinics.

What type of Holter monitors do you use?

CardioScan utilizes a variety of digital Holter monitors depending on your unique situation. We are continually expanding our monitor inventory to assure our clients the very best available in the industry.

How long does it take for a report to be completed?

CardioScan GUARANTEES all reports will be completed and delivered in less than 8 hours. Scheduled �stat� reports are GUARANTEED to be delivered in less than 2 hours!

What insurance companies are you contracted with?

CardioScan works with most all of the major insurance carriers in the industry in addition to being a Medicare approved provider.

Are we required to sign a contract?

CardioScan believes in earning and maintaining our excellent client relationships on a daily basis. If you are ever decide to make a change, just let us know. You will not be bound by any contractual obligations.

Do you provide the necessary hook up supplies?

CardioScan can provide the disposable medical supplies necessary to complete your test.

How can we receive our reports?

CardioScan will customize your report and its method of delivery to your needs. We can send reports via fax, e-mail or directly from our HIPAA compliant encrypted website.

What services does CardioScan provide?

CardioScan currently provides digital and analog Holter monitor analysis and complete Ambulatory Blood Pressure analysis.

Can CardioScan hook up our patients for us?

CardioScan is proud to offer prompt and professional scheduled Holter and Ambulatory Blood Pressure hook ups at medical offices and hospitals within the Houston Medical Center.

How do we get started using CardioScan�s service?

Simply fill out the easy to use e-mail link in the Contact Us Page or give us a call at 713-796-1129 and one of our client managers will immediately contact you. It is that easy!

For Patients

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About Holter Monitoring

About Your Heart

About Holter Monitoring

What is a Holter monitor?

A digital Holter monitor is a small recording device that records the electrical activity of your heart continuously for a period of 24 to 48 hours. You wear the monitor and hit the �event� button anytime that you experience your cardiac symptoms. These monitors will provide a complete record of your heart�s electrical activity including any symptomatic episodes.

When is it used?

Holter monitors are generally used to observe and record abnormal heart rhythms. A Holter monitor can be very effective in identifying the causes of particular cardiac symptoms that occur on a daily basis. They can also be used to provide an overall summary of your heart�s activity during your normal daily activities.

What happens during the procedure?

In your physician�s office or clinic, you will be asked to take off your clothing to the waist. Men may have portions of their chest hair shaved for placement of the electrodes. Adhesive electrodes are placed on the chest in specific places and then attached via lead wires to the monitoring device. The device will be checked for function and you will be sent home with the device in a small protective pouch. You may be given a patient diary to help you record your symptoms and activities over the next 24 to 48 hours. Please do not shower or take a bath while you are wearing the device. If a lead becomes detached, please reattach it and note the time in your diary. If you need assistance, please contact us at 713-796-1129

What happens after the procedure?

After the 24 to 72 hour recording period, you must return the device and your diary to your physician� office immediately. You do not need to return the sticky adhesive pads to their office. They will upload the data to CardioScan for analysis and will review the report upon receipt. The physician will then discuss the findings with you at your next appointment. Your physician may prescribe a Holter monitor more than once if he is trying to evaluate changes in heart rhythms or the use of certain medicines.

About Your Heart

What is an arrhythmia?

An arrhythmia is an abnormal rhythm of the heart that occurs when the electrical system of the heart is abnormal, diseased or damaged. This may cause the heart to beat too slow, too fast or in an irregular manner.

What are the possible causes or an arrhythmia?

Arrhythmias can be caused by a variety of things and are often difficult to identify. These causes can include genetic abnormalities of the heart, heart disease, stress, caffeine, alcohol and certain prescription and/or over the counter medicines.

What are the basic types of arrhythmias?

A person�s normal heart rhythm should beat between 60 and 100 beats per minutes and gradually increase or decrease in a regular manner due to increased or decreased physical activity. Bradycardia is an abnormally slow heart rate less than 60 beats per minute. Bradycardia is normally caused by a dysfunction of the sinus node or the development of another natural atrial pacemaker within the heart tissue. In bradycardia, the heart does not beat fast enough to pump blood to the brain and body.

Bradycardia can cause fatigue or fainting.

Tachycardia is an abnormally fast heart rate generally greater than 100 beats per minute. Tachycardias can originate in the atria (supraventricular tachycardia) or in the ventricles (ventricular tachycardia). These tachycardias can cause the heart not to properly fill up with oxygenated blood. If these arrhythmias are left untreated, they can be potentially life threatening.

Fibrillation is normally characterized by a very irregular beating of the heart. If this beating becomes too rapid, the pumping action of the heart can become inefficient and causes improper blood flow to the body. The electrical activity that causes atrial or ventricular fibrillation is very chaotic and uncontrolled. Atrial fibrillation can increase a person�s susceptibility to stroke and can be treated surgically or with medicines in most instances. Ventricular fibrillation occurs in the lower portions of the heart and is immediately life threatening.

How is an arrhythmia treated?

Many arrhythmias can be present with no harmful symptoms. However, when a physician decides that the arrhythmia must be controlled for the health of the patient, they may suggest changes in diet, medication or the implanting of a medical device to help regulate the beating of the heart.