Holter Monitoring (24-hour ECG)
Holter monitoring is a simple and painless examination used to record your heart’s electrical activity continuously over 24–72 hours. It helps detect heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) that may not appear during a standard ECG performed at the clinic.
You will receive a written report from a cardiologist. If the examination reveals an abnormal heart rhythm or other findings, we recommend booking an appointment with one of our cardiologists to discuss the results and possible treatment options.
What is Holter Monitoring?
Holter monitoring is a portable ECG examination that records your heart rhythm continuously while you go about your normal daily activities. It is commonly used to investigate symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, fainting and irregular heartbeat.
Unlike a resting ECG, which records only a few seconds of heart activity, Holter monitoring captures your heart rhythm over an extended period, making it much more effective at detecting intermittent arrhythmias.
How is Holter Monitoring performed?
The examination is carried out using a small portable ECG recorder attached to your chest with adhesive electrodes.
You can continue your normal daily routine during the recording, although swimming and showering should be avoided while wearing the device.
You will also be asked to keep a diary of any symptoms, activities and sleep times. This information helps the cardiologist correlate your symptoms with changes in your heart rhythm.
After the recording period, you return the device to Sydänkeskus, where the data is analysed by our specialists.
When should you have Holter Monitoring?
Holter monitoring may be recommended if you experience:
- Heart palpitations
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Fainting or near-fainting episodes
- Unexplained chest discomfort
- Suspected atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
- Follow-up after treatment for a heart rhythm disorder
- Evaluation of pacemaker or cardiac medication effectiveness
Why is Holter Monitoring important?
Many heart rhythm disorders occur only occasionally and may not be detected during a standard ECG performed at a doctor’s appointment.
Holter monitoring allows continuous recording of your heart rhythm over one or more days, increasing the likelihood of detecting abnormal heart rhythms such as:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Premature atrial or ventricular beats
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
- Pauses in heart rhythm
Early diagnosis of arrhythmias helps prevent complications such as stroke, heart failure and recurrent fainting, allowing appropriate treatment to begin as soon as possible.