Holter Monitoring (24 hour tape) & Event Recorders

Holter Monitoring

This monitors the heart rhythm for 24 or 48 hours using a small recorder. It is fitted in a few minutes and is like a regular ECG except that only 3 wires are used.

This investigation is useful in those with intermittent palpitations – even if these are infrequent a normal tape reassures that serious arrhythmias are unlikely. It is similarly helpful in those with atypical fits and faints. Ambulatory monitoring is also appropriate in monitoring the effect of treatment in those with established arrhythmias and those at special risk of developing them e.g. tetralogy of Fallot, post Senning or Mustard procedure, Fontan circulation, cardiomyopathy.

The recorder is usually placed on a belt or a small back pack for convenience. Once the time period is up the monitor can be switched off and the leads removed. The monitor is then be returned to the hospital where the rhythm is analysed on a computer. It is important to ask the patient to record any symptoms or palpitations that may occur during the monitoring period as these can then be accurately compared with the heart rhythm at that time.

Event Recorders

These record an individual event - they may be triggered by the patient or parent to start recording when an event occurs (eg cardiomemo) or they may continuously record and discard events more than 30 secs old unless the patient presses a button (eg King of Hearts). Both types may transmit the recorded signals down a telephone line.

Cardiomemo

King of Hearts

Holter Monitoring

Event Recorders

This page was last edited 16/2/2004

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