Holter ECG – Procedure, Indications and Interpretation

A Holter ECG records heart rhythm for 24 hours or more to reliably detect arrhythmias.

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Wissenswertes über "Holter ECG"

A Holter ECG is a diagnostic method for continuous recording of heart activity over a period of usually 24 to 72 hours.

A portable ECG device, connected to the chest via electrodes, is used to detect arrhythmias that may not appear during a short standard ECG recording.

It is indicated for patients with palpitations, dizziness, fainting spells, or unexplained tachycardia. It is also used to monitor medication effects or follow-up after cardiac surgery. The data is analyzed by a cardiologist, identifying abnormalities such as atrial fibrillation, extrasystoles, or bradycardia.

The procedure is non-invasive, painless, and low-risk. Modern devices can also record activity profiles, correlating heart events with daily activities. In more complex cases, an event recorder may be used for weeks, or an implantable loop recorder for years.

Key Facts about Holter ECG

Records heart rhythm for 24–72 hours
Detects arrhythmias
Indicated for dizziness, palpitations, syncope
Non-invasive and painless
Analysis performed by a cardiologist

Literature references:

Varma, N., et al. (2021). Holter monitoring and event recorders in arrhythmia detection. Heart.
Steinhubl, S. R., et al. (2018). Effect of a home-based wearable continuous ECG monitoring patch on detection of undiagnosed atrial fibrillation. JAMA.
Barrett, P. M., et al. (2014). Comparison of 24-hour Holter monitoring with 14-day novel adhesive patch electrocardiographic monitoring. American Journal of Medicine.