Holter Monitors and Event Monitors

Holter Monitors and Event Monitors are battery-operated portable devices that measure and record your heart’s rhythms over long time periods (Holter – 24 hours; Event – up to 1 month). “Sticker like” electrodes are placed on the skin of the chest and the monitor is worn by the patient as they go about their daily activities for the duration of the test. The monitors are about the size of a cell phone and can be worn attached to a belt or clothing.

Regular electrocardiograms (ECGs or EKGs) let your doctor look at your heart’s activity at one point in time during your ECG test. But abnormal heart rhythms and cardiac symptoms may come and go. That’s why your doctor may want to evaluate your heartbeat over time while you go about your normal activities. These studies can detect arrhythmias which can present as slow, fast or irregular heart beats and help your doctor choose proper treatment. Wearing the monitor may tell your doctor:

• If your medicines are working.
• Why you have symptoms such as dizziness, faintness or the feeling that your heart is racing or skipping a beat.
• If your heart is getting enough oxygen to meet its needs.