Holter ECG
A Wearable battery-operated device that continuously records the heart’s electrical activity for anywhere between 24 hours and 2 weeks to detect arrhythmias or heart issues not captured by a resting ECG.
It is painless, uses electrodes attached to the chest and is used to investigate symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and palpitations while allowing normal daily activities
What is an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
An electrocardiogram (ECG) test is a simple and painless test to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. It helps diagnose and monitor conditions that affect your heart, including coronary heart disease, which happens when your heart’s blood supply is blocked by a build-up of fatty substances.
Your heart pumps blood around your body with every beat, sending the necessary oxygen and nutrients to the right parts of your body to keep you alive. To pump your blood properly, your heart relies on a network of cells, often referred to as the heart’s electrical system.
An ECG can detect the signals produced by your heart each time it beats to monitor your heart health and detect any issues with your heart.
What’s an ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG)?
An ambulatory ECG is when the test is done over a longer period of time so that your heart can be recorded as you go about your daily life. This can last for anywhere from one to 14 days. It’s a non-invasive test that shouldn’t affect you much at all during that time.
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as an irregular heartbeat or fast heart rate, palpitations, dizziness and fainting spells, your GP or cardiologist may recommend that you have an ambulatory ECG. It’s also known as a Holter monitor heart test, and it’s a way to check your heart rhythm.
This is a safe and painless test. It can help experts assess the effectiveness of any cardiac treatments you’ve already had and adjust any medication that you may be taking.
What happens during an ambulatory ECG?
A medical device called a Holter monitor is used to measure and record your heart’s rate and rhythm. It’s about the size of a matchbox and you’ll need to wear it around your waist or on a cord around your neck continuously for a period of 24 hours, 48 hours or up to seven or fourteen days. How long depends on your condition, how frequent your symptoms are and what your cardiologist wants to assess.
You’ll have three electrode sensors attached to your chest with small sticky pads and wires. These wires are connected to a monitor which accurately captures every single electrical impulse in your heart while you’re wearing it.
If you need a bath or shower, you simply remove the monitor and pads and put them back on when you’re dry. You’ll be asked to complete a diary telling us if you have any symptoms such as palpitations or dizziness so that your doctor can start to understand how your heart is behaving.
How do I prepare for the test?
You won’t need to prepare for this test. Our clinical team will explain how the test works and answer any questions you may have. The monitor will be sent directly to you with instructions on how to fit it.
At Harrow Health Care Centre we offer Direct To Patient Holter Monitoring
Up to 14 days of Holter monitoring delivered directly to your home. The kit includes all required equipment, along with clear written instructions in multiple languages and an easy-to-follow instructional video. This enables you to fit the monitor yourself at home, avoiding the need for multiple clinic visits. Once monitoring is complete, return the device using the prepaid envelope provided.
