A standard EKG (electrocardiogram) done in a doctor’s office checks your heart activity for a few seconds. A Holter monitor gives your cardiologist a much clearer picture of what your heart is doing during physical activity, rest, sleep, and even stressful moments.
It’s one of the painless diagnostic tools our specialty team at Premier Cardiology Consultants in New York may recommend if you’ve been experiencing unexplained symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, or fainting spells.
Here’s more from our team about how a Holter monitor can be an essential tool in uncovering hidden rhythm issues that a quick office test might miss.
A Holter monitor is a lightweight device that is about the size of a deck of cards. Depending on the model and brand, you can wear the monitor on a lanyard or attach it to a belt. We use the monitor to record your heart’s electrical activity over an extended period.
Small electrodes attach to your chest via sticky discs and connect to the recorder that continuously tracks your heartbeat. Because it operates during your regular routine, when walking, working, or sleeping, it can capture irregularities that may not appear during a standard, seconds-long EKG.
The goal of a Holter study is to get a more comprehensive look at how your heart functions throughout the day (and night).
Your doctor may suggest a Holter monitor if you’re experiencing:
These symptoms can signal rhythm abnormalities, but they often come and go. The extended monitoring period significantly increases the likelihood of detecting issues as they occur.
Issues that often become apparent on a Holter monitor include:
One of the primary reasons to use a Holter monitor is to identify arrhythmias. These include premature beats, atrial fibrillation, tachycardia (fast heartbeat), and bradycardia (slow heartbeat).
Even brief episodes that you may not feel can provide valuable insight for diagnosis and treatment.
A Holter monitor shows how your heart rate changes throughout the day. Significant fluctuations or lack of variation can indicate stress, autonomic nervous system imbalance, or early signs of cardiovascular issues.
Because you wear the device during everyday activities, your doctor can see whether symptoms correlate with exercise, stress, or rest. We’ll ask you to keep a diary of activities and symptoms to help us match physical sensations to specific heart events.
Some arrhythmias cause no noticeable symptoms. A Holter monitor can detect these hidden irregularities. We can then develop a treatment strategy that helps prevent complications related to arrhythmias, such as stroke or heart failure.
If you’re already on heart medication or have a pacemaker, a Holter monitor helps us evaluate whether your treatment is adequate. It can show whether your heart rhythm remains stable or needs further adjustment.
A Holter monitor offers powerful insight into your heart’s rhythm by capturing real-world data that a standard EKG can miss.
Whether you’re dealing with unexplained symptoms or monitoring an existing condition, this simple device can play a crucial role in protecting your long-term heart health.
If you’re concerned about irregular heartbeats or ongoing symptoms, schedule a visit with Premier Cardiology Consultants today.
