What is Holter Monitoring?
Holter monitoring is a type of ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) used to continuously monitor the heart's rhythms for 24 to 48 hours. It helps diagnose irregularities that may not be detected during a standard ECG performed at rest.
How does Holter Monitoring work?
During the test, you will wear a small, portable device that records the electrical activity of your heart. Electrodes are attached to your chest and connected to the Holter monitor, which you will carry with you throughout your daily activities. The device continuously records data, which will later be analyzed by your healthcare provider.
Why is Holter Monitoring performed?
Holter monitoring is used to:
- Detect Arrhythmias: Identify irregular heartbeats or patterns that might not be evident in a standard ECG.
- Evaluate Heart Symptoms: Assess symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or fainting that may be related to heart rhythm disturbances.
- Monitor Heart Condition: Track heart conditions over time, particularly if you have a known arrhythmia or are undergoing treatment.
What should you expect during Holter Monitoring?
During the monitoring period, you should go about your normal activities while wearing the device. It is important to keep a diary of your activities and any symptoms you experience, as this will help your healthcare provider correlate the data from the Holter monitor with your daily activities.
What happens after Holter Monitoring?
After the monitoring period, you will return the device to your healthcare provider. The recorded data will be analyzed, and your provider will discuss the results with you. Based on the findings, further tests or treatments may be recommended.