The electricity creates a display of wavelike lines on a computer screen showing the electrical activity of the heart. This provides physicians with information important in diagnosing cases of abnormal heartbeat and damage to the heart muscle. Holter Monitoring A monitoring device, worn by the patient for 24 hours, records the electrical activity of the heart to detect any disturbances in rhythm. This information is downloaded into a computer and reviewed for abnormalities. A series of electrocardiograms are taken as a patient's heart rate is increased to a target rate.
Patients perform some activity such as walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike.
EKGs help determine the amount of stress physical activity places on a patient's heart and if the patient's heart is reacting normally. This test is similar to a routine stress test, however, this test uses a substance that is injected and absorbed by the heart muscle. The heart is then viewed using x-rays to show abnormal blood flow. Treatment Pacemaker Placement A permanent pacemaker is an electrical device that is surgically implanted. It has the capability of stimulating a heartbeat when the heart fails.