Holter & Event Monitoring Specialist

What are Holter and event monitors?

Both Holter and event monitors are devices used to record the heart's electrical activity outside of your doctor's office. About the size of a pack of cards or smaller, these monitors are small enough to be worn comfortably on the body, and can usually be carried in a pocket or special monitor holder worn around your waist or over your shoulder. The monitors feature sensors that are placed on your chest with adhesive patches so the devices can pick up electrical signals from your heart.

Why are Holter and event monitors used?

Monitors are most frequently used to diagnose and manage arrhythmias, or abnormalities and irregularities in your heartbeat. They can also be used to monitor a condition called silent myocardial ischemia, a condition that occurs when too little oxygen-rich blood is being transported to the heart. Dr. Daneshrad may also order a Holter or event monitor to evaluate a treatment plan and determine its effectiveness. Although they operate much like the EKG in the doctor's office, they offer the advantage of longer recording time and ability to record during physical activities.

What's the difference between Holter and event monitors?

The primary difference between Holter monitors and event monitors is that Holter monitors record your heart's activity the entire time you're wearing the monitor, while an event monitor only records activity during an event. Many monitors turn on automatically when an event is detected, while a few require you to turn the monitor on manually. One type of event monitor, called an implantable loop recorder, is implanted under your skin and records events automatically. Wireless monitors can send information directly to your doctor's office or monitor provider using cellular technology. Dr. Daneshrad will be able to recommend the type of monitor that's best for your needs and symptoms.