Holter Monitor

A Holter monitor is a small, portable device that continuously records your heart rhythm over a period of 24 to 48 hours. Unlike a standard EKG, which captures only a few seconds of heart activity during an office visit, a Holter monitor provides a complete picture of your heart rhythm during your normal daily activities, including sleep.

Your provider may recommend a Holter monitor if you are experiencing symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, fainting, unexplained fatigue, or chest pain that comes and goes. These symptoms may be caused by intermittent arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) that do not always show up during a brief in-office EKG.

The device is attached to your chest with small electrode patches and worn throughout the monitoring period. You go about your normal activities — working, eating, sleeping, and exercising — while the device records every heartbeat. You may also be asked to keep a diary of your activities and symptoms during the monitoring period.

After the monitoring period, you return the device to our office. The recorded data is analyzed by your provider, who will look for irregular heart rhythms, pauses, or other abnormalities that correlate with your symptoms. Based on the findings, your provider may recommend treatment, additional testing, or reassurance that your heart rhythm is normal.

At Garden State Medical Group, Holter monitoring is part of our comprehensive cardiopulmonary diagnostic services. We provide the device, explain how to use it, and review the results with you personally. Call (201) 453-2800 to schedule your Holter monitor study.