HolterMonitoring

Holter monitoring, or ambulatory electrocardiography, is a diagnostic test that records the heart’s electrical activity continuously over a period, typically 24 to 48 hours, using a portable recorder and chest electrodes.

The test aims to detect intermittent arrhythmias, correlate symptoms with ECG changes, monitor pacemaker function, and assess response to therapy.

During the procedure, small leads are attached to the chest with adhesive electrodes and connected to a compact recorder worn on a belt or shoulder strap; patients go about daily activities and keep a diary of symptoms and times.

After the recording period, the device is removed and the data are analyzed by a healthcare professional. The report documents occurrences of bradycardia, tachycardia, pauses, ischemic changes if present, and overall heart rate trends.

Advantages include noninvasiveness and continuous monitoring in daily life; limitations include only capturing events within the recording window and potential motion artifacts; extended wear or patch/implantable devices can improve yield.

Preparation may include skin cleansing and avoiding lotions, shaving chest hair if needed, and continuing most medications unless instructed; patient should record symptoms and activities for correlation.

Alternatives include extended wear monitors that last up to several weeks, event monitors, patch monitors, or implantable loop recorders for infrequent symptoms.