Holter
What is Holter Test?
A Holter test is a continuous, portable ECG monitoring procedure that records your heart’s electrical activity for 24 to 48 hours or longer. Unlike a standard ECG, which captures only a few seconds of heart rhythm, a Holter monitor provides a complete picture of your heart’s activity throughout daily routines.
Why is a Holter Test Important?
Holter monitoring is vital for detecting irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that may not appear during a short ECG. It helps diagnose unexplained fainting, palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat patterns. The test is also useful for monitoring how well medications or treatments are controlling heart conditions.
Basic Holter Tests :
24-Hour Continuous ECG Recording – captures heart rhythms over a full day
Arrhythmia Detection – identifies skipped beats, fast or slow rhythms
Heart Rate Variability Analysis – evaluates stress and autonomic nervous system function
Event Correlation – links symptoms (like dizziness or chest pain) to heart rhythm changes
What to Expect:
A technician will attach small, sticky electrodes to your chest, connected to a portable device worn on a belt or strap. You will go about your daily activities while the Holter monitor records your heart rhythms continuously. The test is safe, painless, and requires no lifestyle restrictions except avoiding water contact. After the monitoring period, the device is returned for analysis, and your doctor reviews the results for accurate diagnosis.