Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Ambulatory Cardiac Monitoring

(Holter Monitoring; Ambulatory Electrocardiography [EKG])
by Ricker Polsdorfer, MD
Definition

Ambulatory cardiac monitoring is a way to watch and record the electrical activity of your heart. It is done as you go about your daily activities. Most of the recording devices are roughly the size of a pager or cell phone.

Reasons for Test

This test is used to determine whether the heart may be beating too slow or too fast and to detect any abnormalities in heart rhythm.

Your heartbeat is regulated by electrical impulses. Sometimes there are abnormalities with these impulses. When the abnormality is happening all the time, it is easy to find in the doctor's office. But sometimes the problem comes and goes. Ambulatory cardiac monitoring records your heart’s electrical activity for long periods of time. The length of time makes it much more likely to catch an abnormality that comes and goes.

Your doctor may advise ambulatory cardiac monitoring to assess:

  • Fainting spells thought to be caused by the heart
  • Occasional feeling that the heart is racing (palpitations)
  • Treatment effectiveness for dangerous rhythm disturbances
What to Expect
Prior to Test

You will first be evaluated by a doctor. An EKG , which is a test to check the electrical activity of your heart, will likely be done in the office.

Description of Test

The test steps will depend on the type of device used:

  • CardioNet (mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry) —A special service monitors your heartbeat continuously. It will respond immediately if it detects a serious event.
  • Event recorder —This device is only used when you have symptoms. The device can be a wrist band with an activation button or a pager-sized device you press onto your chest. Some of these are connected to a 24-hour-a-day central base that can immediately detect and respond to the event when you activate the signal.
  • Holter monitoring —A small device will be strapped to you. Wires from the device will be attached to electrodes on your chest. Electrodes are small adhesive pads. You may be taught to replace them or asked not to remove them during the monitor period. You will be instructed to keep a diary of your activities for the next 24 hours. You will then return the device and your diary for analysis. Some devices have an event button. You will push the button each time you have concerning symptoms.
  • Looping monitor —The electrode may be a wrist band, finger attachment, or chest plate. This device records several minutes at a time, then starts over. You will be instructed to push a button during or after an event to preserve the recording. For longer periods of monitoring, there is an implantable version. This electrode is surgically placed under your skin.

Certain environmental interferences should be avoided, including: magnets, metal detectors, high-voltage wires, radio frequency signalers, microwave ovens, electric blankets, electric toothbrushes, and electric razors.

After Test

After the procedure, you will return the equipment.

How Long Will It Take?

A typical interval is 24 hours. If your problem is less frequent than that, you may need to be monitored for a longer period of time. Longer monitoring often requires different devices.

Will It Hurt?

This test will not hurt. Sometimes removing the electrodes can be uncomfortable.

Results

The information recorded by the monitor will be evaluated. Your doctor will let you know if you need any further tests or treatment based on the study.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or for any other concerns.

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Last reviewed: September 2011 by Michael J. Fucci, DO.

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