The Holter monitor,
how does it work?
The Holter monitor (or Holter ECG) is a portable recorder that continuously monitors your heart's electrical activity for 24 to 48 hours or more. Unlike a standard ECG which lasts only a few seconds, the Holter monitor captures intermittent abnormalities that would escape a one-off examination.
The device, the size of a mobile phone, is connected to an adhesive patch placed directly on your chest. You wear it under your clothing and carry on with your normal daily life for the entire recording period.
How the examination works
Fitting at the practice
The cardiologist places the adhesive patch on your chest and connects the recorder. Fitting takes approximately 15 minutes. Clear instructions are provided on what you can and cannot do.
Enregistrement at domicile
You return home with the device and carry on normally: work, sleep, light activities. You note any symptoms you experience in a diary with the exact time.
Return and reading
The following day (or after the agreed period), you return to the practice to hand back the device. The cardiologist analyses the recording and provides you with a detailed report.
When is it prescribed?
- Unexplained palpitations
- Fainting or blackouts
- Suspected rhythm disorders (atrial fibrillation, ectopic beats)
- Assessment of antiarrhythmic treatment
- Investigation of stroke or TIA to detect atrial fibrillation
- Pre-operative cardiac assessment
- Follow-up of patients with a pacemaker