Holter monitoring is a type of ambulatory electrocardiography (ECG) test used to evaluate the heart’s electrical activity over a period of time, typically 24 hours. The test involves wearing a small, portable device called a Holter monitor, which records the heart’s electrical signals as the patient goes about their daily activities.

During a 24-hour Holter monitoring test, the patient will wear the device for a full day, typically starting in the morning and ending the following day. The monitor is typically worn on a belt or shoulder strap, and electrodes are attached to the patient’s chest to record the heart’s electrical signals.

The patient will be asked to keep a diary of their activities and any symptoms they experience during the test, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations. This information is then correlated with the ECG recordings to help diagnose any underlying heart conditions.

Once the monitoring period is complete, the patient returns the device to their healthcare provider, who will analyze the recordings and interpret the results. Holter monitoring can help diagnose a variety of heart conditions, including arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and heart valve problems.