What is Holter Test?
A Holter monitor is a small, medical device that measures your heart’s activity, such as rate and rhythm for 24 hours. This device is connected to the electrodes and electrical leads, and even newer devices use only a single patch to detect hearts activity, which is more convenient to the patients. Holter monitor testing is also sometimes called Ambulatory Electrocardiography.
Indication of Holter Test
- To evaluate causes of pre-syncope and syncope.
- To evaluate chest pain that can't be reproduced with exercise testing.
- To identify irregular heartbeats or palpitations.
- To assess risk for future heart-related events in certain conditions like HCM, Post Heart attack etc.
- To see how well a pacemaker is working.
- To determine how well treatment for complex arrhythmias is working.
Test Details
- The Holter monitor is small device with several leads or wires.
- The leads connect to electrodes that are placed on the skin of your chest.
- The metal electrodes conduct your heart’s activity through the wires and into the device.
- Newer devices are smaller and use single patch that is connected to the chest.
- It’s important to avoid bathing, showering, and swimming while you’re wearing the monitor.
- You’re encouraged to participate in your normal activities during the 24-hour Holter test.
