A Holter Monitor
A Holter monitor is a portable device that monitors a person's heart rhythm over some time, typically 24-48 hours or longer. It is often used when a standard electrocardiogram (ECG) does not provide enough information about a person's heart condition.
The Holter monitor is a small, battery-powered device worn on a belt or strap around the waist or shoulder. It has several electrodes attached to the person's chest, which record the heart's electrical activity continuously during the monitoring period. The device stores the data, which a healthcare professional can later download and analyze.
The purpose of a Holter monitor is to detect and diagnose heart rhythm abnormalities, such as arrhythmias, that may occur intermittently and are not captured by a standard ECG. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for heart conditions and to evaluate symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or fainting.
During the monitoring period, the person is asked to keep a diary of their activities and symptoms, such as when they feel palpitations or chest pain. The healthcare professional uses this information to correlate the recorded heart rhythm with the person's activities and symptoms.
The Holter monitor is a safe and non-invasive test. Still, it may be uncomfortable for some people to wear it for an extended time. The electrodes may cause skin irritation, and the device may be bulky or inconvenient to wear during certain activities. However, the information obtained from the Holter monitor can provide valuable insights into a person's heart health and help guide treatment decisions.