Holter Monitoring

What is a Holter monitor?

A Holter monitor device records your heart’s electrical activity. You wear it for 24-48 hours, during which time it continuously tracks your cardiac function and sends the information to your doctor at Heart Clinic of Hammond.

Your Holter monitor is essentially a portable electrocardiography (ECG/EKG) machine. An ECG uses electrodes attached to your skin to detect cardiac activity. It’s the standard heart function test doctors use to assess symptoms of heart problems. A Holter monitor uses the same system but in a form small enough for you to carry comfortably.

A similar device is an event monitor. Like the Holter monitor, it’s a portable unit that records your heart activity. But with an event monitor, you activate it when you experience symptoms rather than the device recording all of the time.

Why would I need a Holter monitor?

Your doctor might suggest a Holter monitor if other tests on your heart fail to find the cause of symptoms such as:

• Pounding or racing heartbeat
• Irregular heartbeats
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Extreme fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Syncope (fainting)
• Inability to exercise

A routine electrocardiogram (EKG) or echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) might not always detect the cause of your symptoms, especially if they aren’t present all of the time. If these tests are inconclusive, wearing a Holter monitor could find the problem.

Holter monitors are an effective way of evaluating arrhythmias — problems with the speed or rhythm of your heartbeat. Heart Clinic of Hammond also uses Holter monitors to detect silent myocardial ischemia. That condition affects the blood flow in your heart, so the muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen. It’s called silent ischemia, as there are no symptoms.

A Holter monitor is also useful for checking whether cardiac treatments are working.

What is it like wearing a Holter monitor?

The Holter monitor is small enough to carry in your pocket. You could also use a belt pack, wear it across your shoulders like a purse, or put it around your neck like a camera. 

You wear the Holter monitor continually. It doesn’t cause any side effects and isn’t uncomfortable. Don’t get the Holter monitor wet when washing, and don’t swim while wearing it. 

Your Heart Clinic of Hammond doctor might ask you to record symptoms, like chest pain, and note what you were doing when wearing a Holter monitor. Your doctor can use that information and the Holter monitor recording to make an assessment and recommend treatment.

To benefit from advanced cardiac diagnostics like Holter monitoring, call Heart Clinic of Hammond today or book an appointment online.