Holter Monitor and Event Monitor (Ambulatory ECG Monitoring)
Continuous heart rhythm monitoring over 24 hours to several weeks — detecting intermittent arrhythmias, palpitations and atrial fibrillation.
What is It?
A Holter Monitor and an Event Monitor are portable heart rhythm recording devices that continuously track your heart’s electrical activity while you go about your normal daily life. They are used to detect intermittent or infrequent heart rhythm abnormalities that may not be captured during a short in-clinic ECG.
A Holter Monitor typically records continuously for 24–48 hours. An Event Monitor records over a longer period (days to weeks) and is activated automatically or when you experience symptoms.
At One Heart Centre, our cardiologists use ambulatory ECG monitoring as a vital tool in diagnosing and managing heart rhythm disorders with precision.
Why is It Performed?
At One Heart Centre, our cardiologists may recommend ambulatory ECG monitoring to:
- Investigate palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting episodes
- Detect intermittent arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) such as atrial fibrillation
- Correlate your symptoms with specific heart rhythm changes
- Monitor the effectiveness of heart rhythm treatments and medications
- Assess unexplained fatigue or shortness of breath that may be rhythm-related
Ambulatory monitoring allows your cardiologist to observe what your heart is doing during your normal activities and sleep, providing invaluable diagnostic information.
What Does the Test Involve?
Small adhesive electrodes are placed on your chest and connected to a lightweight recording device worn discreetly on a belt or shoulder strap. The device continuously records your heart rhythm throughout the monitoring period.
You will be asked to continue your usual daily routine and to keep a simple diary of any symptoms you experience and what you were doing at the time. The monitor is comfortable, painless and discreet. You cannot shower while wearing most devices, but full instructions will be provided by our team.
At the end of the monitoring period, you return the device to One Heart Centre so the recorded data can be carefully analysed by your cardiologist.
What are the Benefits?
- Detects heart rhythm problems that occur intermittently and may be missed by standard ECG
- Directly correlates your symptoms with specific rhythm abnormalities
- Guides accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment planning
- Completely non-invasive, painless and safe for everyday wear