The 24-hour holter ECG  
  monitor is a small device
  that records every single
  heartbeat for 24 hours,
  similar to the
  electrocardiogram (ECG).

  All the heart beats are
  digitally recorded in a  
  compact memory card. 
  Five plastic electrodes are
  at attached to the
  patient’s chest and
  connected to 
  the recorder.  
  Afterwards, the recording
  is analyzed by a
  computer, and validated by
  our cardiology nurse.  Dr. Caceres reviews the preliminary report, and a final report is generated.

There is no need for special preparation for this test.  However, we advise to take a shower before the patient wears the Holter, since the monitor is not waterproof and can not be taken off for 24 hours.  This test evaluates the patient’s heart beats in real life situations, day and night.

The Holter helps the doctor to diagnose slow, rapid, irregular, and/or extra heart beats which may be associated or not with the patience complaints.  In addition, the Holter may be helpful to diagnose decreased blood supply to some areas of the heart – by changes in the ECG recordings – while the patient is performing his/her usual daily activities.

Holter monitoring is indicated in patients with complaints and/or conditions related to the heart.  These include, but are not limited to, palpitations, fluttering, chest discomfort, chest heaviness, dizziness, light headedness, syncope, angina pectoris, weak-spells, shortness of breath with or with out exertion, numbness of the limbs, and other symptoms.

The 24 hour holter monitoring is also indicated in some patients with symptoms and known heart disease, diabetes, mellitus, previous heart attack, permanent pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator, etc.

Finally, the test is useful in documenting the desired effect and/or the adverse reactions of medications in the heart, such as beta-blockers, calcium blockers, digitalis, anti-arrhythmia agents, other blood pressure drugs, diuretics, etc.