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A Holter monitor is a small, portable medical device used to record heart rhythms. It helps identify and detect risks of arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats. The device uses sensors called electrodes and a recording unit to measure the heart's electrical activity. Patients typically wear it for one day or more while going about their daily activities.
This device records the heart's electrical activity, pulse rate, and rhythm for 24 hours or longer, earning it the name "ambulatory electrocardiogram." A Holter monitor is especially useful if a standard electrocardiogram (ECG) does not provide enough information about a heart condition. For infrequent arrhythmias, a longer-term monitor called an event recorder might be necessary.
Before getting a Holter monitor, patients usually undergo a quick, painless ECG test. During this test, electrodes are placed on the chest to check the heart's rhythm. This can help detect coronary artery disease, especially if it leads to damage in the heart muscle or electrical disturbances.
If you experience irregular heartbeats that do not appear during an ECG, a Holter monitor can identify these conditions. Common symptoms of heart electrical issues include:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Fainting or feeling faint
- Fluttering in the chest (palpitations)
- Chest pain
- Lightheadedness
- Sudden weakness
