A Holter monitor is a portable medical device used to continuously record the electrical activity of the heart over 24 to 48 hours or longer. Unlike a standard electrocardiogram (ECG), which provides a snapshot of heart activity at a single moment, a Holter monitor captures a continuous record, allowing for the detection of intermittent heart problems that might not occur during a brief ECG. The device consists of electrodes attached to the chest and connected to a small recording device worn around the waist or shoulder. It is commonly used to diagnose arrhythmias, evaluate symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or fainting, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments for existing heart conditions.
The primary reason for using a Holter monitor is to capture transient cardiac events that may go unnoticed during a routine ECG. These could include irregular heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, bradycardia, or pauses in the heart's beating pattern, all of which can contribute to symptoms or indicate underlying heart disease. The Holter monitor is a safe and non-invasive tool with minimal complications. Some users may experience mild skin irritation where the electrodes are attached, particularly if worn for extended periods. The device does not emit any harmful radiation, making it safe for most patients, including pregnant women. While wearing the monitor, patients are typically asked to maintain a diary of their activities and any symptoms experienced to help correlate these with any abnormalities detected in the heart's activity during the monitoring period.
