Pulmonary Stenosis is a health condition distinguished by hindrance in blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. It occurs when the valve between the pulmonary artery and right ventricle becomes too narrow, small or stiff. 

The pulmonary valve and aortic valve control the blood flow in the body. They open to let the blood flow ahead in the body and then immediately close in order to keep it from flowing backward. It allows the blood to efficiently get to the lungs. Pulmonary Stenosis causes the right ventricle to pump blood harder in order to send it to the lungs. Over time it thickens the right ventricles and strains the heart.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Stenosis 

Following are the primary symptoms of Pulmonary Stenosis – 

• A bluish tint to the skin in infants 
• Extreme fatigue 
• Palpitations
• Nausea
• Swollen abdomen 

Diagnosis of Pulmonary Stenosis 

Pulmonary Stenosis is diagnosed in childhood; however, at times, it isn’t detected until later in life. When your doctor notices some irregularities in your heart activity, he/she might suspect Pulmonary Stenosis and recommended diagnosis tests. The diagnosis of Pulmonary Stenosis is made through the following tests – 

Echocardiogram – This test relies on the sound waves that bounce off your heart and generate moving images that can be viewed on a display screen. This test checks the structure of your pulmonary valve and the severity of stenosis.

Electrocardiogram – In this procedure, your doctor will place electrode patches on your chest, ankles, and wrists. The wired patches will monitor your heart’s activity, which will be recorded on the paper. Through this test, the doctors determine whether your muscular wall of the right ventricles has been thickened.

Cardiac Catheterization – In this test, a catheter is inserted into an artery. The catheter can also be inserted in the groin and thread it up to your heart. The dye is injected through the catheter will make your blood vessels visible on X-rays. This test is done to assess whether you need a balloon valvuloplasty. This test also measures the blood pressure in the blood vessels and heart chambers. 

Other tests – The other tests include MRI and CT scans. 

Treatment for Pulmonary Stenosis 

The treatment for Pulmonary Stenosis depends on the severity of the health condition. In extreme Pulmanory Stenosis cases, the doctor might recommend balloon valvuloplasty or open-heart surgery. However, if your conditions are mild and you are not experiencing major symptoms, you don’t require treatment. However, it is important to monitor your heart on a regular basis. Therefore your doctor may recommend you to wear a Holter monitor. 

Monitoring Pulmonary Stenosis Heart with Holter Monitor

A Holter monitor is basically a remote cardiac monitoring device that is used to measure and record the heart’s activities constantly for a couple of hours or days. Its size is similar to that of a small camera. It features wire with coin-sized electrodes that are attached to the patient’s skin. The devices that record your ECG on the go are referred to as ambulatory electrocardiograms. 

A regular ECG monitoring service allows your doctor to monitor your heart’s activity at a single point of time. However, abnormal heart rhythms and symptoms may vary. In mild pulmonary Stenosis, the doctor would want to evaluate the patient’s heartbeat over the course of time. This is when patients are asked to wear a Holter monitor. Wearing a Holter monitor allow the doctor to gauge. 

How Holter Monitor Works?

This remote cardiac monitoring device comes with electrodes that are stuck on to your chest. The small conducting patches are attached by wires of a small recording monitor. You can easily carry the monitor in a small pouch or pocket. The Holter monitor operates on batteries. When it is secured to your body, the device records your heart’s activity. 

How Should You Prepare?

• Generally, Holter monitors cannot be removed and must be kept dry while monitoring. So take a bath before your doctor’s appointment, unless advised otherwise. 
• The electrodes will be stuck to your chest. So if you have dense hair on your chest, it is advised to shave it off. 
• Once the technician has connected the device, you will be instructed on how long to wear. The time duration varies from 24 hours to 72 hours. 
• The doctor will instruct you to keep a diary in order to note down the heart’s activities while wearing the monitor. If you feel palpitation, chest pain, lightheadedness, ensure to note that down. 
• Once your monitor period is over, you will have to return the device to the doctor along with the diary. The doctor will compare the data and symptoms. The data derived from the Holter monitor will reveal your heart’s condition. 

Cardiac Monitor by Cardiac Rhythm 

Considering the prominence that cardiac monitoring device carries, you need to ensure that you invest in quality Holter monitor. Holter Monitor by Cardiac Rhythm is one of the best options to look into. It is a light-weight, multi-function cardiac monitor that includes mobile cardiac telemetry, Holter and extended holder monitoring in a wearable patch, and wireless cardiac. It is a futuristic device that can cater to a wide range of cardiac diagnostic needs. 

Prominent features of this cardiac monitor

Following are some of the notable features of this cardiac monitor:

• It can be discreetly positioned on the sternum. The device can be comfortably worn by both genders for up to 14 days. 
• You get round the clock access to Cardiac Rhythm’s comprehensive clinical reports. Their secure cloud portal allows you to access the reports anytime, anywhere, enabling you to make an informed decision. 
• Consistent monitoring for patient’s activity for better diagnosis.  

Holter monitor is a remote cardiac monitoring device that is used to evaluate the condition of your heart. If you are suffering from Pulmonary Stenosis, it becomes imperative to monitor the heart condition continuously. Such constant monitoring allows your doctor to analyze your condition and further provide the necessary treatment. 

Paul Petersen