24 hour Holter

A 24-hour Holter monitor is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that continuously records your heart’s electrical activity for a full day and night. Think of it as an extended electrocardiogram (ECG). The device itself is a small, battery-operated recorder that’s roughly the size of a smartphone, and it’s worn in a pouch around your neck or attached to your belt. You’ll have several small sticky electrode patches placed on your chest, which are connected to the Holter monitor by thin wires. These electrodes detect and record each heartbeat, capturing any irregularities or disturbances in your heart’s rhythm over the 24-hour period.

If you’re wearing a Holter monitor, it’s typically because your doctor wants to catch intermittent heart rhythm abnormalities that might not show up during a brief ECG in the clinic. During the monitoring period, you’ll go about your usual daily activities but will be asked to avoid activities that might interfere with the device, like taking showers or baths. Additionally, you’ll keep a diary of what you’re doing throughout the day and note any symptoms like dizziness, palpitations, or shortness of breath. After the 24 hours, you’ll return the device to the clinic, where your doctor will analyze the data to help diagnose any heart conditions or determine the next steps in your care.