Heart monitor electrodes are small, round discs that are placed on your chest. They are connected to wires that lead to a machine that monitors your heart rate. The machine displays your heart rate on a screen so that your doctor can see it. The electrodes pick up electrical signals from your heart and send them to the machine.
The electrodes help your doctor get an accurate reading of your heart rate. They are placed on your chest in specific locations. The location depends on the type of procedure you are having. For example, if you are having a stress test, the electrodes will be placed on your chest in different places than if you are having an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Types of Procedures That Require Heart Monitor Electrodes
There are many different types of procedures that require heart monitor placement electrodes. Some of these procedures include:
• Stress Tests: A stress test is done to see how well your heart works when it is under stress. This test is also called a treadmill test or exercise stress test. You will walk on a treadmill while wearing a heart monitor. The treadmill will get faster and steeper as the test goes on.
• Electrocardiograms (ECGs): An ECG is done to check for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. This test is also called an EKG. You will lie down while sensors are attached to your chest, arms, and legs. These sensors record the electrical activity of your heart through wires that are connected to a machine.
• Holter Monitoring: Holter monitoring is done to check for irregular heartbeats. You will wear a portable EKG machine for twenty-four hours or more. The machine records your heartbeat all day and night.
• Event Monitoring: Event monitoring is similar to Holter monitoring, but it only happens when you feel symptoms, such as palpitations or lightheadedness. You will wear a portable EKG machine with heart monitor electrodes for several days or weeks. You will press a button on the machine when you feel symptoms so that it can record your heartbeat at that time.
