The terms ECG or EKG device and heart monitor are frequently used by physicians to refer to a Holter monitor.
A Holter monitor is a medical device used to continuously monitor the electrical activity of the heart over an extended period of time. This non-invasive examination continuously records all of the heartbeats over a 24-to-72-hour period.
How does a Holter monitor work?
A Holter monitor is a small portable device, made up a box connected to electrodes that are placed on the patient’s chest. The patient can wear this device on a shoulder strap or on a belt. The electrodes continuously record the electrical signals produced by the heart and then send them to the device, which stores the data for later analysis.
Why wear a Holter monitor?
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) provides a large amount of information but only reflects the electrical activity of the heart over a short period of time (while the monitor is recording).
In most cases, it is possible to establish a diagnosis so that an appropriate treatment can be proposed.
A Holter monitor needs to be worn for a period of time between 24 and 78 hours to record the electrical activity of the heart. This makes it possible to detect certain abnormalities in the heart rhythm or to link symptoms to a possible rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) – unlikely to appear during an ECG (shorter recording time).
As a result, a Holter monitor can detect:
- abnormalities in the heart rhythm, especially if the symptoms only occur periodically (palpitations, discomfort, fainting).
- arrhythmias in patients with heart disease (heart attack), heart failure, high blood pressure) or who have presented with an unexplained stroke.
How is a cardiac Holter fitted?
During the appointment, self-adhesive electrodes are placed on the chest (directly on the skin). These electrodes are connected and attached to the device, which is placed in a pouch and worn over the shoulder or on the belt provided.
During the monitoring period, the patient must carry out their daily activities as normal to obtain an accurate picture of their heart function in various situations (rest, exercise, stress, etc.).
The device must not get wet (in the swimming pool, bath or shower).
After the monitoring period, the device is given back to the physician who will analyze the recordings to detect any anomalies.
You can walk, move and sleep as normal when wearing a Holter monitor! You should carry on with life as normal, as close as possible to your everyday life so as to be able to observe your heart rate in everyday situations.
How long does the recording period last?
The usual monitoring time lasts 24 to 72 hours (the regulatory minimum is 24 hours). However, the length of time the Holter needs to be worn depends on the suspected abnormality and the frequency of the disorders or symptoms felt. Some patients may be asked to wear the monitor for longer, e.g. up to 3 weeks. In this case, the device is called a long-term Holter.
Some tips to ensure an accurate recording:
Keep cell phones and computers away from the monitor
If you plan to do sport, ask for replacement electrodes
Avoid wearing any jewelry around your neck
Reviewed and approved by Marine Arnaud, MD, Cardiologist at Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU)
