A Holter monitor is a portable device used to continuously monitor and record a person’s heart rhythm over a period of time, typically 24 to 48 hours. It is a non-invasive and painless test that helps evaluate the electrical activity of the heart during normal daily activities. The device is named after Dr. Norman J. Holter, who invented it.
During a Holter monitor test, small electrodes are placed on the chest and connected to a portable recorder that the patient wears. The electrodes detect the electrical signals of the heart and transmit the data to the recorder. The patient is instructed to go about their daily activities while wearing the monitor, including sleeping, exercising, and performing routine tasks.
The Holter monitor continuously records the heart’s electrical activity, capturing any irregularities or abnormalities in the heart rhythm. After the monitoring period, the recorded data is analyzed by a healthcare professional, such as a cardiologist, to identify any abnormal heart rhythms, arrhythmias, or other cardiac conditions.
The Holter monitor is a valuable tool for diagnosing various heart conditions, such as arrhythmias, palpitations, fainting spells, and assessing the effectiveness of medications or treatments. It provides a more comprehensive picture of the heart’s activity than a standard electrocardiogram (ECG) performed in a clinical setting.
Overall, the Holter monitor allows healthcare professionals to gather valuable information about a patient’s heart rhythm, aiding in the diagnosis and management of cardiac conditions.