Holter monitoring
Pronunciation: HOHL-ter
Continuous ambulatory electrocardiographic recording over 24-48 hours to detect intermittent arrhythmias. Named after Norman Holter who developed the technique.
Full Definition
Holter monitoring is a diagnostic technique that provides continuous electrocardiographic recording during normal daily activities over an extended period, typically 24 to 48 hours. The portable device records heart rhythm abnormalities that may be missed during a brief office ECG, particularly intermittent arrhythmias, silent ischemia, or symptoms that correlate with cardiac events. Patients maintain a diary of symptoms and activities during monitoring to correlate with recorded rhythms. The technique was pioneered by Norman Holter in the 1960s and remains a cornerstone of ambulatory cardiac monitoring.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize 'Holter' as it is a proper noun derived from the inventor's name.
In Context
- "The patient's palpitations were captured on Holter monitoring, revealing episodes of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia." — Cardiology consultation report
- "A 48-hour Holter monitor was ordered to evaluate the patient's syncopal episodes." — Diagnostic test order