Heart Rhythm (Holter) Monitor
A heart rhythm monitor is a small, wearable device that continuously records your heart’s electrical activity for 24–48 hours, or sometimes longer. It provides a clear and detailed picture of how your heart rhythm behaves during your normal daily activities — whether you’re resting, exercising, sleeping, or going about your day — giving your cardiologist valuable insight into how your heart functions outside the clinic.
Why is it performed?
This test helps detect irregular heart rhythms that may not appear on a standard ECG, especially when symptoms occur only occasionally.
It can identify issues such as intermittent palpitations, skipped beats, or brief periods of fast or slow heart rhythms.
Your cardiologist may recommend it if you’ve experienced palpitations, dizziness, fainting, or unexplained blackouts, or to check how well treatment for an existing rhythm condition is working.
What does the test involve?
Several small adhesive electrodes are placed on your chest and connected by fine wires to a compact recording device worn on your belt or shoulder strap.In some cases, a small adhesive patch is used instead, which performs the same function without any wires.
You’ll be asked to carry on with your usual daily routine, but to keep the monitor dry and avoid getting it wet.
It’s also important to keep a brief diary of your activities and any symptoms you experience (such as palpitations or dizziness), as this helps your cardiologist match any recorded changes in rhythm to how you were feeling at the time.
- Preparation & Positioning
Several small sensors are placed on your chest and connected to a compact device, or in some cases, a single adhesive patch is applied instead.
- During the Scan:
You’ll wear the monitor as you go about your daily routine, keeping it dry and recording any symptoms or activities in a diary for your cardiologist to review later.
- Safety & Comfort:
The device is light, discreet, and completely safe. Most people hardly notice it during the day and can sleep, move, and work as normal.
After the test
Once the monitoring period is complete, you’ll return the device or patch to the clinic. The recorded data is carefully reviewed by your cardiologist to check for any abnormal heart rhythms.
Results are typically available within a few days, after which your cardiologist will explain the findings and advise whether any further tests or treatment are needed.
The test is simple, completely safe, and non-invasive, offering essential information about your heart rhythm during your everyday life.
