HOLTER BLOOD PRESSURE – HOW IS THE EXAMINATION PERFORMED?
The Holter blood pressure monitor is a special device for automatic blood pressure measurement that records fluctuations in blood pressure over a full 24-hour period. A SOS Cardiologist visits your home, examines you, applies the Holter monitor, and provides you with the necessary instructions.
The measurement is carried out with a small device, about the size of a mobile phone, usually attached to the patient’s belt, and a cuff similar to a regular blood pressure monitor. The device operates automatically at regular intervals, for example every 15 minutes. The patient can also perform a measurement manually if they feel discomfort or unease. During the examination, the patient’s daily routine continues normally. The test is completely painless and requires no preparation.
After 24 hours, experienced SOS Doctors’ staff visit you, remove the Holter device, and deliver it to the SOS Cardiologist.
The device is then connected to a computer, the data is analyzed, and the SOS Cardiologist reviews the results and provides the diagnosis.
WHEN IS A 24-HOUR HOLTER BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING RECOMMENDED?
Your doctor may recommend 24-hour blood pressure monitoring with a Holter device if they suspect or wish to investigate:
- White coat hypertension. Many patients are affected by the measuring process itself, experiencing nervousness and anxiety, which results in falsely elevated blood pressure readings.
- Masked hypertension, meaning elevated blood pressure values during times when measurements are not being taken by the doctor.
- Variable blood pressure, when readings fluctuate significantly during the day.
- Orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up.
- Preeclampsia in pregnant women, where careful monitoring of blood pressure is essential.
- Nighttime drops in blood pressure, which can indicate underlying issues.
- Fainting episodes, where irregular blood pressure patterns may be a contributing factor.
