HOLTER MONITORING

What is it
This is a small monitoring device, which continuously records the ECG for 24 hours while patient continues his daily routine activities without remaining confined to bed.

Why is it done?
A patient may have a transient symptom, and by the time he reports to doctor and an ECG is taken, he may be feeling normal with a normal ECG. A Holter records the ECG continuously, and patient's symptoms can be correlated with his ECG. This is required for patients in whom a heart rhythm disorder 'palpitation' is suspected or experienced by the patient. This provides a comprehensive correlation of patient's symptoms with his/her heart rhythm.

How is it done?
The patient has to wear this monitor for 24 hours. Small skin patches are placed on the patient's body though which monitoring is done. The patient is encouraged to carry out his usual activities during the 24 hours period of monitoring.

When it is done/advised ?
Holter monitoring is essentially 'mobile ECG', meaning the ECG trace is recorded while patient is continuing with his routine, rather than being confined to bed. This device to record ECG is advised when a patient is suspected to have periodic ECG changes during the course of his routine activity, and may not show any changes when reported to the doctor. The test is advised most frequently when a patient may have unexplained palpitations, fainting or other rhythm disorders.

Before ... Precautions & prerequisites
No prerequisites are required before the test.