WHAT IS A HOLTER MONITOR?

 

A Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that keeps track of your

 heart rhythm. Your doctor may want you to wear a Holter monitor for one

 to two days. During that time, the device records all of your heartbeats.

 

A Holter monitor test is usually performed after a traditional test to

check your heart rhythm (electrocardiogram), especially if the

electrocardiogram doesn't give your doctor enough information about

your heart's condition.

 

Your doctor uses information captured on the Holter monitor to figure out

 if you have a heart rhythm problem. If standard Holter monitoring doesn't

 capture your irregular heartbeat, your doctor may suggest a wireless

Holter monitor, which can work for weeks.

 

Some personal devices, such as smart watches, offer electrocardiogram

 monitoring. Ask your doctor if this is an option for you.

 

If you have signs or symptoms of a heart problem, such as an irregular

heartbeat (arrhythmia) or unexplained fainting, your doctor may order a

 test called an electrocardiogram. An electrocardiogram is a brief,

non-invasive test that uses electrodes taped to your chest to check

your heart's rhythm.

 

However, sometimes an electrocardiogram doesn't detect any irregularities

 in your heart rhythm because you're hooked up to the machine for only

 a short time. If your signs and symptoms suggest that an occasionally

 irregular heart rhythm may be causing your condition, your doctor may

 recommend that you wear a Holter monitor for a day or so.

 

Over that time, the Holter monitor may be able to detect irregularities

 in your heart rhythm that an electrocardiogram couldn't detect.

 

Your doctor may also order a Holter monitor if you have a heart condition

 that increases your risk of an abnormal heart rhythm. Your doctor may

suggest you wear a Holter monitor for a day or two, even if you haven't

 had any symptoms of an abnormal heartbeat.

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