A Holter monitor, also known as an ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) monitor, is a portable medical device used to continuously monitor and record a person’s heart activity over a specific period, typically 24 to 48 hours or even longer.
The Holter monitor is primarily used to detect and diagnose abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias that may not be captured during a standard, short-duration ECG performed in a doctor’s office. Since arrhythmias can occur sporadically or in response to certain triggers, a longer monitoring period with a Holter monitor can provide more comprehensive data about a patient’s heart health.
A Holter monitor is a valuable diagnostic tool that allows healthcare providers to get an extended and more comprehensive look at a patient’s heart activity to diagnose and manage heart conditions effectively.