What is a Holter Monitor?

A Holter monitor is a small device that continuously measures your heart’s activity, including its rate and rhythm. This device is connected to your chest with sticky electrodes and leads, similar to a routine electrocardiogram. It is then worn for 12-48 continuous hours as you go about your normal daily activities. The purpose of a Holter monitor is to give your physician a detailed look at your heart’s activity throughout the day to provide you with a detailed diagnosis. 

Who needs a Holter Monitor?

If a patient experiences heart-related symptoms, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, or a fluttering or pounding heart, your physician may run an electrocardiogram (ECG) to see your heart’s activity. However, because you are only hooked up to the ECG for a brief amount of time, any heart irregularities you may have may not show up. In this scenario, your physician may order a Holter monitor to provide a more detailed look at your heat’s activity on a long-term basis.