What is a Holter ECG?

A Holter monitor is a battery-operated portable device that measures and records your heart’s activity (ECG) continuously for 24 to 48 hours or longer depending on the type of monitoring used.
The device is the size of a smallcamera;it has wires with silver dollar-sized electrodes that attach to your skin.
The Holter monitor and other devices that record your ECG as you go about your daily activities are called ambulatory electrocardiograms.

Why do I need Holter ECG?

• Regular electrocardiograms (ECGs or EKGs) let your doctor look at your heart’s activity at one point in time during your ECG test. But abnormal heart rhythms and cardiac symptoms may come and go. That’s why your doctor may want to evaluate your heartbeat over time while you go about your normal activities.
A doctor may ask for Holter monitoring if You Have symptoms such as:
• a fast or slow heartbeat
• dizziness
• weakness or fatigue
• feeling out of breath
• chest pain
• a fluttering sensation in the heart
• an uneven heartbeat
• the feeling of skipping heartbeats
• dizziness while using a pacemaker

How to Prepare for a Holter ECG?

• No special preparations are necessary for Holter electrocardiogram;tell your doctor about any medications and supplements you take. These can often affect the results of your test.
Do your usual activities while you wear the monitor with these exceptions:
• Don’t bathe, shower or swim while wearing the monitor.
• Don’t have X-rays while wearing the monitor.
• Stay away from high-voltage areas, metal detectors or large magnets.
• Youll be instructed to keep a diary of all the activities you do while wearing the monitor.
• Its particularly important to record in the diary any symptoms of palpitations, skipped heartbeats, Shortness of breath, chest pain or lightheadedness. Youll usually be given a form to help you record your activities and any symptoms.