A Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that tracks heart rhythm over 24 to 72 hours. Electrodes attached to the skin are connected to the monitor via wires and record the heart's activity. A Holter monitor may be used if symptoms suggest an irregular heartbeat that a brief electrocardiogram could not detect. The monitor is worn continuously during normal daily activities to help diagnose heart conditions causing symptoms.
2. WHAT IS HOLTER
MONITOR?
A Holter monitor is a
small, wearable device
that keeps track of your
heart rhythm.
A Holter monitor uses
electrodes and a
recording device to track
your heart's rhythm for
24 to 72 hours.
Holter monitor testing is
also sometimes called
ambulatory
electrocardiography.
3. HOW IT WORKS?
The Holter monitor is small.
It’s slightly larger than a
deck of playing cards.
Several leads, or wires, are
attached to the
monitor. The leads connect
to electrodes that are
placed on the skin of your
chest with a glue-like gel.
The metal electrodes
conduct your heart’s activity
through the wires and into
the Holter monitor, where
it’s recorded.
4. Why it is Done?
If you have signs or symptoms of a heart problem, such as an irregular
heartbeat (arrhythmia) or unexplained fainting, your doctor may order a test
called an electrocardiogram. An electrocardiogram is a brief, noninvasive test
that uses electrodes taped to your chest to check your heart's rhythm.
If your signs and symptoms suggest that an occasionally irregular heart rhythm
may be causing your condition, your doctor may recommend that you wear a
Holter monitor for a day or so.
the Holter monitor may be able to detect irregularities in your heart rhythm that
an electrocardiogram couldn't detect.
6. During Procedure:
Prepare Your Skin for the Electrodes: Proper preparation of the areas of your chest
where the electrodes will attach is essential for good ECG recordings. Follow the
instructions given to you at the doctor’s office or from the monitor’s user guide.
Always Wear the Monitor: Wear the monitor and keep it turned on 24 hours a day,
every day, for the entire length of your prescribed procedure, during all your normal
daily activities except those that involve water. Do not get any part of the monitor
wet.
Record Activities in a Diary: This will help your doctor understand the activities
surrounding the arrhythmia, which can lead to a diagnosis on what causes them.
Some monitors have built-in verbal and manual diaries.
Avoid Things that Create Interference: This includes magnets, microwaves, electric
blankets, cell phones, and MP3 players.
Follow Instructions: It’s very important to follow the instructions provided in the
monitor’s user guide and from your doctor.
7. After Procedure:
Once your monitoring period is over, you'll return the device to your doctor's
office, along with the diary you kept while you wore the Holter monitor. Your
doctor will compare the data from the recorder and the activities and symptoms
you wrote down.
8. Result of Holter Monitoring
The information from the Holter monitor may reveal that you have a heart condition, or your doctor may
need more tests to find out what may be causing your symptoms.
If your doctor may not able to diagnose, then he/she will recommend a wireless Holter monitor or an event
recorder, both of which can be worn longer than a standard Holter monitor.
