A Holter monitor is a small, battery-powered medical device that measures your heart\u2019s activity, such as rate and rhythm. Your doctor may ask you to use one if they need more information about how your heart functions than a routine electrocardiogram (EKG) can give them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Twenty-four hour Holter monitoring is a continuous test to record your heart\u2019s rate and rhythm for 24 hours. You wear the Holter monitor for 12 to 48 hours as you go about your normal daily routine. This device has electrodes and electrical leads exactly like a regular EKG, but it has fewer leads. It can pick up not only your heart\u2019s rate and rhythm but also when you feel chest pains or exhibit symptoms of an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Holter monitor testing is also sometimes called ambulatory electrocardiography. There are other types of devices that can be used to measure heart activity for longer periods of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Holter monitor is small. It\u2019s slightly larger than a deck of playing cards. Several leads, or wires, are attached to the monitor. The leads connect to electrodes that are placed on the skin of your chest with a glue-like gel. The metal electrodes conduct your heart\u2019s activity through the wires and into the Holter monitor, where it\u2019s recorded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You wear a small pouch around your neck that holds the monitor itself. It\u2019s important to keep the monitor close to your body during the testing period to make sure the readings are accurate. Your doctor will show you how to reattach electrodes if they become loose or fall off during the testing period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll get instructions that explain how to take care of your monitor and what not to do while you\u2019re wearing it. It\u2019s important to avoid bathing, showering, and swimming while you\u2019re wearing the monitor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019re encouraged to participate in your normal activities during the 24-hour Holter test. You\u2019ll be directed to record your activities in a notebook. This helps your doctor determine if changes in heart activity are related to your behaviors and movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wearing the Holter monitor itself has no risks involved. However, the tape or adhesives that attach the electrodes to your skin can cause mild skin irritation in some people. Make sure to tell the technician that attaches your monitor if you\u2019re allergic to any tapes or adhesives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n