What is an ECG?
An electrocardiograph is a test that measures the electrical voltages moving through the heart. It can help diagnose a range of conditions. A holter monitor is a 24 hour ECG that you walk around with.
Why do a Holter?
Like an ECG, a Holter monitor can pick up information about your heart activity such as rate and rhythm, but can do so over 24 hours. This is done to catch any sporadic or non sustained problems like a funny heart rate. This is called an arrhythmia. The aim is to assess how your heart functions over a longer period of time. It can tell your doctor about
the heart’s oxygen supply or any delays to the rhythm.
the heart’s oxygen supply or any delays to the rhythm.
Often a Holter Monitor is done for symptoms like dizziness, collapse or feeling like your heart rate is not normal.
How does the Holter work?
Similar to an ECG, leads are placed on your chest on electrode stickers. There is a battery powered device that you wear around your neck. You are asked not to bath, shower or swim whilst wearing the device. Otherwise, you should lead life as normal and record your activities in a notebook, along with the time, so that the findings can be related to your activities at the time. After 24 hours, you can return to the clinic to have the monitor removed.
