Holter ECG

• Before the examination, do not apply creams or ointments to the skin – the skin should be clean, dry and degreased.
• The device must not be wet or removed from the case.
• Loose clothing is recommended; the camera can be clipped to a belt or worn around the neck.
• During the examination, the use of a mobile phone and other electronic devices should be limited as they may cause artifacts, i.e. interference in the ECG recording.

A Holter ECG (also known as a 24-hour heart monitor) monitors the heart's activity for 24, 48, and 72 hours. It allows for the assessment of heart function not only at rest but also during daily activities. It can assess irregular, excessively fast, or excessively slow heartbeats occurring at different times of the day and night, and can also detect myocardial ischemia. Often, the test allows for the correlation of symptoms experienced by the patient (such as dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain) with changes in the ECG. The test is also performed to confirm/rule out cardiac causes of fainting or syncope. Holter monitoring can detect paroxysmal, short-term heart rhythm disturbances, which may not be detectable in a single ECG. Furthermore, this test allows the doctor to establish a relationship between the patient's symptoms and their heart function.

Electrodes are placed on the chest, and their cables are connected to a small, portable device that records the ECG. The patient wears a special device weighing approximately 0.5 kg (1.1 lb) and is worn on a belt. The device is not removed during sleep. After the test, the doctor analyzes the recording. During the test, the patient should not limit their daily physical activity. Heart rate should be recorded during a normal day (work, daily household activities, active recreation, sleep).
The test is not performed to assess heart function during extreme exertion, such as intense physical exercise.

The Holter monitor is non-invasive, meaning it doesn't damage body tissue. It's painless and carries no risk.

• circulatory failure,
• heart rhythm disturbances,
• condition after a heart attack.

• occasionally, skin diseases that prevent electrodes from sticking.