Holter Monitoring

Holter monitoring, also called ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring, is a diagnostic test that records your heartbeat as you go about your normal daily activities. 

You wear the battery-operated Holter monitor for about 24-48 hours. The device continuously picks up and records your heart’s electrical activity, just like your in-office electrocardiogram (EKG).

Some Holter monitors automatically transmit the information to your provider. This allows them to track your heart rate in real time and contact you if problems arise that need immediate attention.

Other monitors store your EKG results, and your provider downloads the information when you return the device.

When would I need Holter monitoring?

Your provider may recommend Holter monitoring if they suspect you have an irregular heartbeat (heart arrhythmia), but your in-office EKG doesn’t reveal a problem. 

You may have a heart arrhythmia if your heartbeat is too slow, too fast, or irregular. People with an irregular heartbeat experience symptoms like:

• Fast, pounding heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Fainting or near fainting

Irregular heartbeats don’t always show up during your office EKG because your provider records the heart’s electrical activity for a limited time. A Holter monitor overcomes that problem and reveals arrhythmias by tracking your EKG for a longer time.

How does Holter monitoring work?

There are two types of Holter monitors. One type uses adhesive electrodes that your provider places on your chest. The electrodes connect to the Holter monitor with wires, and you wear the monitor around your waist or neck.

The second type is more compact because the electrodes are part of the monitor. The small monitor adheres to your chest, where it can detect and record your heart’s electrical activity.

Your provider may also ask you to track your symptoms while wearing the monitor. For example, you may need to make a brief note when symptoms occur, noting the time, type of symptoms, and their severity.

You can participate in most of your daily activities while wearing the Holter monitor. However, you can’t get the monitor or electrodes wet. 

You receive exceptional diagnostic testing at Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC. Call the office today or request an appointment online to learn the cause of your heart symptoms.