What Do My Holter Monitor Results Indicate?

Posted on Sun, 18 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 18 Jan 2015 Answered on

Tue, 3 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I have some questions regarding my PACS. I was feeling palpitations several on the ago and was sent to a cardiologist. He ran several tests including an echo, ECG, stress test, holter monitor, and loop monitor for 24 hours. The results of the echo showed a structurally normal heart with some trace regurgitation. Which he said was normal in most hearts. Every function and size of the heart was perfect. The holter monitor picked up 925 PACS over 48 hours. 2 bigamy cycles and 3 couplet cycles very short. It only showed 1 single ventricular beat. I suffer greatly from anxiety and panic especially lately. I have had episodes where my heart will race at 160 BPM through the day but very short 2 minutes or less and slows down when I do deep breathing and drink water. The PACS I feel at night before bed and when I wake up in the morning. I don't know if it's happening when I sleep. I am worried about this but my doctor says they are benign. He didn't explain anything toe which freaks me out more. Is that too many PACS I've heard people can have tens of thousands in a day but I don't know. These tests were 5 months ago. How often do I need a repeat of the tests? My cardiologist told me at least 3 years. I eat very well and have lost 75 lbs over the last 10 months. My resting heart rate is around 56 -60 depending on the time of day. Doctor says this is fine don't know if I should worry.

Here is the results of my 48 hour holter monitor

198000 total beats

26% in bradycardia
12 % in tachycardia

Lowest heart rate was 50 at 5 AM during deep sleep.
925 PACS
915 We're single
3 couplets and 4 bigamy
0 runs totalling 0 beats

1 ventricular beat

Doctor said sinus rythm no arythmia detected

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You can repeat ECG, holter and ECHO every 1-2 years.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query very carefully and understood your concerns.

I analysed the data you provided and would like to say that it's normal. During 48 hours were recorded only 925 premature atrial complex (PAC) which is within the accepted limits.

PAC are benign arrhythmia that apart from palpitation and discomfort can't cause any cardiac disease or death. This is why as a general rule they don't need any special treatment.

You are asking about how often you can repeat this test. My opinion is that you can repeat ECG, holter and ECHO every 1-2 years. This will reasure you that everything is ok and will help to ease anxiety and stress.

Moreover I suggest to treat anxiety and stress.

Wish you health!
Dr. Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (2 hours later)

Hi Doctor Thank you for your response. What about my heart rate. My resting heart rate is between 56-60. I am not very active but I have lost 70 lbs in the last 10 months because of good diet. Can this be a reason. Is that heart rate ok? Can the PACS affect this? Also I was told that magnesium can help with the Pacs. Do you recommend this?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your resting heart is within normal limits, follow my advises...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Your resting heart is within normal limits and you shouldn't worry about that.

It's a good thing that you have lost weigh but diet and weigh loose may be associated with arrhythmia especially PAC. This is why it's important that your diet should be balanced with all essential fats, proteins and electrolytes.

My opinion is that you should take Magnesium and other electrolyte supplements (multicentrum) together with omega fish oil supplements. This will stabilize your arrhythmia.

Wish you health!
Dr. Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar