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Holter ECG monitoring continuously records the heart’s rhythm and rate, as well as ischaemic changes on the ECG, throughout the day and night. This basic test for diagnosing heart rhythm disorders is simple. It involves only the minor inconvenience of wearing a miniature device on a belt for approximately 24 hours, connected by wires to self-adhesive electrodes placed on the chest. We also perform this test in children.
Description of the test
Electrodes are placed on the chest, and their wires are connected to a small, portable, battery-powered device that records the ECG. The recording device is held in place by a belt fastened around the hips. The recorder must not be removed during sleep. During the test, you should carry out your usual daily activities. While the recording is in progress, you must not take baths or showers, use electric pillows or blankets, or tamper with the recorder. You return the device the day after it is fitted.
Purpose of the test
Holter ECG monitoring can detect brief, intermittent heart rhythm disturbances that may not be detected by a single ECG test. It also allows the cardiologist to identify a link between the patient’s symptoms and their heart activity. It enables assessment of heart activity not only at rest but also during everyday activities. It allows assessment of an irregular, excessively fast or slow heartbeat occurring at different times of the day and night, and also reliably detects all episodes of painless myocardial ischaemia. The test often makes it possible to link symptoms experienced by the patient, such as dizziness, palpitations, breathlessness and chest pain, to ECG changes. The test also allows assessment of pacemaker function.
Indications for the test
- Heart rhythm disorders
- Assessment of the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic treatment
- Assessment of pacemaker function
- Assessment of myocardial ischaemia
- Circulatory failure
- Previous heart attack
- Fainting and feeling faint
- Palpitations
- Breathlessness
- Chest pain.
Preparation and contraindications for the test
There are no special preparation requirements for the test. It is painless and carries no risk. It can be repeated many times. 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring is performed in patients of all ages, including pregnant women.
Waiting time for results
The Holter ECG result is provided as a report written by a cardiologist, with attached graphs (recordings of the heart’s electrical activity at selected times), approximately three weeks after the device is returned.
Where and how can you have the test?
Holter ECG monitoring is available at many facilities in Poland.