Holter monitoring is a continuous, electrocardiographic (EKG) recording of the rhythm of the heart. You may have already had a standard or “resting” ECG which is one of the simplest and fastest tests used to evaluate the heart. Like a ‘resting’ ECG, you wear the same kind of ECG electrode patches on your chest but with this test, the electrodes are connected by wires to a small, portable recording device (that is about the size of a deck of cards) that you continuously wear for 24 hours up to 14 days.

Your doctor may request a Holter monitor ECG if you have symptoms, such as dizziness, fainting, low blood pressure, ongoing fatigue (tiredness) or palpitations that a resting ECG doesn’t show a clear cause. This test will help the doctor evaluate the type and amount of irregular heartbeats during regular activities, exercise and sleep.