An EKG test given by a healthcare provider may not give a true measure of heart activity. A patient s anxiety can alter the results of an EKG test and irregular heartbeats may not occur during the test. The Holter monitor is one way to analyze the heart rhythm while the person is performing usual daily activities. EKG evaluate chest pain check activity after a heart attack evaluate a new pacemaker and check the effectiveness of medications Holter monitoring usually lasts for 24 to 48 hours. The person wears a small tape recorder on a belt or shoulder strap.
Wires run from the recorder to electrodes attached to the chest.
These electrodes must be kept dry. The person goes about his daily activities as he would normally do. Loose fitting clothes need to be worn while wearing the monitor. The only restriction while wearing the monitor is no showering. During the test, activities, symptoms, and the times the symptoms are experienced are logged by the patient into a diary.