Holter ECG monitor
Symptoms such as palpitation, dizziness or blackouts may occur intermittently and without warning. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can evaluate heart rhythm at a given time but prolonged heart rhythm monitoring may be required to identify episodic problems. This type of test is called Holter ECG monitoring and can be carried out continuously for 24 hours up to 7 days or alternatively as a patient activated event recorder.
24-hour Holter ECG recording
These tests involve placing painless electrodes to the chest wall and connecting to a small recording device. The patient can continue with normal daily activities and are asked to complete a symptom diary to aid diagnosis.
Once a Holter ECG recording is completed and returned, the monitor and electrodes are removed and the acquired ECG data are analysed for any evidence of arrhythmia. If confirmed, this may lead to lifestyle advice, prescribed medication or recommendation to undergo invasive procedures such pacemaker/implantable defibrillator insertion or catheter ablation.
