Holter Monitoring

What is Holter monitoring?

Holter monitoring measures the electrical activity of your heart away from the doctor’s office. It’s like a portable electrocardiogram (EKG), a non-invasive in-office test that measures your heart’s electrical activity in real-time. 

You wear the device for 24-48 hours under your clothes and keep a written log of your daily activities to coincide with the cardiac recordings.

Why would I need Holter monitoring?

The team at Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona explains why you need Holter monitoring at your office visit. They may recommend the diagnostic test if they suspect you have a heart rhythm problem but can’t confirm a diagnosis after an in-office EKG. 

You may also need Holter monitoring if you have other symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, and in-office testing failed to provide definitive answers. 

Your cardiologist may also recommend Holter monitoring if you have a pacemaker so they can assess the effectiveness of the device. 

What happens during Holter monitoring?

Holter monitoring is an outpatient diagnostic test. At the office, your cardiologist places electrodes to your chest and abdomen and attaches the leads to the Holter monitoring device. You may wear the device on your clothing or in a bag you place over your shoulder. 

After placement of the electrodes, your cardiologist recommends resuming your normal activities. They request that you keep an activity log during your Holter monitoring test. 

What happens after Holter monitoring?

After your Holter monitoring, you return to Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona, and the team gathers the information from the device and your activity log. They review the results with you and provide recommendations.

What is an implantable loop recorder?

An implantable loop recorder is a long-term heart rhythm monitoring device. It monitors and records your heart rhythm for up to three years and allows your cardiologist to remotely check your heart rhythm and provide in-the-moment care.

At Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona, the team performs implantation of the loop recorder and regular follow-up care. 

The team may recommend an implantable loop recorder if they have concerns about your heart rhythm but fail to get accurate information from in-office testing or Holter monitoring. 

They may also use the implantable loop recorder to monitor heart activity following a stroke. 

Call Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona or book an appointment online today to learn more about the benefits of Holter monitoring.