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A Holter ECG monitor is a type of heart monitor that records your heart’s activity over 1 to 7 days. If you have an irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations, but an EKG didn’t detect anything, a cardiac monitor can help diagnose the problem. You wear the Holter monitor while you do your daily activities. Your provider discusses the results with you.

What is a Holter monitor?

A Holter monitor is a wearable device and type of ambulatory electrocardiogram that records your heart’s rhythm and rate activity. It gives your provider a full picture of what your heart rhythm and rate does as you go about your life.

A Holter monitor records your heart’s electrical activity for 1-7 days hours. While you wear it, you continue to do your regular daily activities. The Holter monitor is named for Dr. Norman J. Holter, who created it in the 1950s.

A Holter monitor records your heart’s electrical activity for 1-7 days hours. While you wear it, you continue to do your regular daily activities. The Holter monitor is named for Dr. Norman J. Holter, who created it in the 1950s.

When would a Holter monitor not be appropriate?

If you need urgent treatment for heart symptoms, then a Holter monitor would not be appropriate. Providers don’t recommend a cardiac monitor if it delays urgent care. Providers also do not use a Holter monitor for routine screening if you don’t have symptoms.

What’s the difference between an EKG and a Holter monitor?

An EKG measures your heart’s activity at that moment in time, as you’re having the test. But your heart’s rhythm and symptoms can change over the day. Your provider may want to see how your heartbeat changes during the day as you do your regular activities. The heart monitor gives your provider a fuller picture of your heart rhythm

What’s the difference between Holter and event monitoring?

A Holter monitor records your heart continuously for 24 or 48 hours. An event monitor is not continuous. It only records your heart’s activity when you feel symptoms and activate the monitor.

TEST DETAILS

How do I prepare for a Holter monitor?

You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for a Holter monitor. The doctor may need to shave your chest where they attach the electrodes.

After 24 hours, you can remove the device and BP cuff and return the equipment to your clinic or doctor’s office. A computer analyzes the readings and generates results.