Holter monitoring, also known as a Holter monitor or ambulatory electrocardiography (ECG), is a medical test used to continuously monitor a person's heart activity over an extended period, typically 24 to 48 hours or even longer. It is named after its inventor, Dr. Norman J. Holter, who introduced this technology in the 1940s.
The primary purpose of Holter monitoring is to record and analyze the electrical activity of the heart, specifically the ECG or EKG (electrocardiogram). Unlike a standard ECG, which is a brief snapshot of the heart's electrical activity, a Holter monitor provides a more comprehensive view of the heart's performance during a person's daily activities and sleep patterns.
Holter monitoring is a valuable tool in diagnosing and managing cardiac conditions, as it provides a more comprehensive and extended view of the heart's electrical activity. It can help healthcare providers make more accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations for their patients.
