What is a Holter ECG?
The Holter ECG is a method of continuously recording the electrical activity of the heart over 24 hours (and longer if needed), using a small portable device that the patient carries with them. Unlike a classic ECG, which records the heart for only a few seconds in the office, the Holter monitors the heart all day and night — while you walk, work, sleep and rest.
The device connects to electrodes stuck to the chest and, throughout the entire period, records every heartbeat. When the device is returned, special software and a cardiologist analyze thousands of beats and identify rhythm disturbances, skipped beats and pauses that occur occasionally and that would go unnoticed on a short recording.
This is exactly why the Holter ECG is irreplaceable for complaints that come and go — palpitations, skipped beats or the feeling that the heart briefly 'stops'. It connects what the patient feels with what is actually happening with the heart rhythm at that moment.
At Medical Time, fitting the Holter and interpreting the findings is done by an experienced team, with modern devices and precise analysis software, so that you get a reliable assessment of the heart's activity without any discomfort.
When is a Holter ECG performed? Symptoms and indications
A Holter ECG is recommended when there are complaints that point to a heart rhythm disturbance, ones that occur occasionally so that a short ECG in the office often does not catch them. It is also used to monitor already-known heart conditions and to assess the effectiveness of therapy.
The most common indications and symptoms for which the exam is scheduled are:
As a general rule, any occasional, unclear feeling of palpitations, skipped beats or fainting warrants a Holter ECG — because only continuous monitoring can connect the complaints to a specific rhythm disturbance.
- a feeling of palpitations, or a fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- skipped heartbeats or the feeling that the heart briefly 'stops'
- dizziness, weakness or fainting of unclear cause
- loss of consciousness (syncope) that needs to be clarified
- suspicion of arrhythmia, extrasystoles or atrial fibrillation
- monitoring the heart rhythm in an already-known heart disease
- tracking the effect of heart medications and assessing therapy
- checking the heart's function after a heart attack or pacemaker implantation
Preparing for a Holter ECG
No special preparation is needed for a Holter ECG — you do not need to be fasting or change your usual habits, and you continue your regular therapy as prescribed, unless the doctor explicitly says otherwise. On the contrary, it is desirable for the day with the Holter to be as close as possible to your usual day, so that the findings faithfully reflect the heart's activity in real conditions.
For the electrodes to adhere well and the signal to be clean, it helps for the skin on the chest to be clean and dry. In men with heavier body hair, the sites for the electrodes are sometimes lightly shaved for better contact.
What it is good to keep in mind on the day of fitting:
- shower before arriving, because you do not shower with the device fitted while you wear it
- wear comfortable clothing that is easy to put on over the electrodes and the device
- avoid creams, oils and lotions on the chest because they reduce electrode adhesion
- bring a list of the medications you take and earlier heart findings if you have them
- plan a usual day — there is no need to change your activities because of the device
How a Holter ECG is fitted and worn
Fitting the Holter is short and completely painless. The staff stick a few electrodes to the chest and connect them to a small device that you carry in a pouch around the waist or over the shoulder. From that moment the device continuously records every heartbeat, and you go home and continue your usual day.
With the device you also receive a short activity diary, in which you write down what you did and when, as well as the moments when you feel complaints. This way the cardiologist can later accurately compare what you felt with the record of the heart rhythm from the same moment — this is one of the most important parts of the exam.
The device is worn for 24 hours, and if needed 48 hours or longer. The next day you return so that the staff can remove the electrodes and take back the device, after which the analysis of the recording begins.
Wearing the Holter does not restrict you in everyday activities — you can walk, work and sleep normally. The only thing is that while you wear the device you do not shower and you avoid heavy sweating and sudden wetting, so that the electrodes do not come off.
- press the event button (if the device has one) when you feel a complaint
- in the diary write down the time and type of activity and every occurrence of symptoms
- avoid pulling or removing the electrodes and cables
- do not wet the device — postpone showering until you remove it
When you get the findings and interpretation
After the device is removed, the recorded data is transferred to a computer, where special software processes all the beats recorded over the 24 hours. The cardiologist then reviews the analysis, identifies any rhythm disturbances and compares them with your activity diary and complaints.
The findings include the average, lowest and highest pulse, the number and type of rhythm disturbances (for example extrasystoles or episodes of arrhythmia), as well as an assessment of their significance. Based on this the cardiologist gives a conclusion and recommendations — whether the complaints are harmless, whether therapy is needed or further investigations.
You receive the findings with interpretation shortly after the device is removed, and all recordings are stored digitally for comparison with later exams. If needed, we immediately schedule further cardiology exams in the same place.
Why have your Holter ECG at Medical Time
The value of a Holter ECG lies not only in a quality device, but above all in the expert interpretation of the recording. At Medical Time the findings are analyzed by an experienced cardiologist, with modern devices and precise software, so that you get a reliable and clearly explained result.
Everything you might need after a Holter — an echocardiogram, additional cardiology exams or laboratory tests — is available in one place, with a quick appointment and a warm approach.
- painless fitting and a comfortable device that does not interfere with daily activities
- modern Holter devices and precise analysis software
- the findings are interpreted by an experienced cardiologist, with clear recommendations
- comparison with the activity diary for an accurate assessment of complaints
- quick scheduling without waiting and findings in a short time
- everything in one place — cardiology, echocardiography and laboratory
- digital storage of recordings for tracking over time
Cost — Holter ECG
The cost of a Holter ECG depends on the length of monitoring (24 or 48 hours, and longer if needed) and on whether it is done together with a cardiology exam or additional diagnostics. You receive the exact price and an appointment quickly, by phone or through the contact form.
- Holter ECG — 24-hour monitoring
- Holter ECG — 48-hour monitoring
- Holter ECG with a cardiology exam
For the current price and an appointment call 062-399-888.
Frequently asked questions about the Holter ECG
No. Fitting is completely painless — electrodes connected to a small device are simply stuck to the chest. There are no needles or discomfort, and the device is worn through your usual daily activities.
Most often 24 hours, and if needed 48 hours or longer. The length of monitoring is determined by the doctor depending on your complaints and how frequent they are.
Yes. It is desirable for the day with the Holter to be as close as possible to your usual day — you can work, walk and sleep normally, so that the findings faithfully reflect the heart's activity.
No. While you wear the Holter you do not shower and you avoid wetting the device, because water can damage the device and cause the electrodes to come off. That is why it is best to shower before fitting.
No. No special preparation is needed for a Holter ECG — you eat and drink normally and continue your regular therapy, unless the doctor says otherwise.
In the diary you write down what you did and when you feel complaints. This way the cardiologist can accurately compare what you felt with the record of the heart rhythm from the same moment, which is key to an accurate assessment.
You receive the findings with the cardiologist's interpretation shortly after the device is removed and the recording is analyzed. All data is stored digitally for comparison with later exams.