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Holter ECG: 24 to 72 hours of heart rhythm monitoring

A Holter ECG continuously records your heart rhythm during everyday life, usually for 24 to 72 hours. It looks for intermittent abnormalities that may not appear on a resting ECG.

Main indications

It may be proposed for palpitations, faintness, selected episodes of fainting, pauses or a slow pulse, suspected atrial fibrillation or another arrhythmia, or monitoring a rhythm disorder and certain treatments.

Fitting the recorder

Adhesive electrodes are attached to the chest and connected to a small recorder. Fitting is painless. Continue your usual activities as far as possible, following the instructions about water, showering and keeping the electrodes attached.

Keep a symptom diary

Record the exact times of palpitations, pain, faintness, breathlessness, exercise, going to bed and getting up. Comparing symptoms with the recording helps interpretation.

Results and limitations

Analysis assesses average, minimum and maximum heart rates, extra beats, tachycardias, pauses and any conduction abnormalities. No abnormality over 24 to 72 hours does not rule out a rare event; a longer recording may then be discussed.

Before your appointment

Bring your medication list and previous ECGs. Avoid oily cream on your chest on the day of fitting. Tell the practice about any known adhesive allergy.

Emergency

Loss of consciousness, chest pain or significant breathlessness requires a call to 15 in France. Do not wait for the Holter results.

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