Holter

Holter monitor is a type of ambulatory electrocardiography device, a portable device for continuously monitoring various electrical activity of the cardiovascular system for at least 24 hours (often for two weeks at a time). The Holter's most common use is for monitoring ECG heart activity (electrocardiography or ECG). Its extended recording period is sometimes useful for observing occasional cardiac arrhythmias which would be difficult to identify in a shorter period. For patients having more transient symptoms, a cardiac event monitor which can be worn for a month or more can be used.

History

The Holter monitor was developed and named after Norman J. Holter, a biophysicist who invented telemetric cardiac monitoring in 1949. The term is often used to refer to the ambulatory monitoring process itself.

Uses

The Holter monitor is most often used to monitor patients who have been diagnosed with heart problems, such as arrhythmia, or who have symptoms that suggest they may have a heart problem, such as chest pain, dizziness, or palpitations. The device can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of medications or procedures used to treat heart problems.

Procedure

The Holter monitor is a small, battery-powered device that is worn on a strap around the patient's waist or neck. The device is connected to the patient's chest with electrodes, which record the electrical activity of the heart. The patient is instructed to go about their normal daily activities while wearing the monitor. The device records the heart's electrical activity continuously for the entire monitoring period, which is typically 24 to 48 hours but can be longer.

Limitations

While the Holter monitor is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring heart problems, it does have some limitations. It can only record the heart's electrical activity and cannot measure blood pressure or other physiological parameters. Additionally, the device can be uncomfortable to wear and may interfere with the patient's normal activities.

See also

• Electrocardiography
• Cardiac event monitor
• Cardiac arrhythmia

Holter Resources
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