Holter monitor
Pronunciation: HOLE-ter
Portable device that continuously records heart rhythm over 24-48 hours for arrhythmia detection.
Full Definition
A Holter monitor is a portable electrocardiographic recording device worn by patients to continuously monitor heart rhythm over an extended period, typically 24 to 48 hours. Named after biophysicist Norman Holter, this ambulatory monitoring system captures intermittent arrhythmias that might not be detected during brief office visits. The device records all heartbeats and can correlate symptoms with rhythm disturbances through patient diary entries. Modern systems may include event monitors that patients activate during symptoms, or implantable loop recorders for longer-term monitoring. Analysis involves computer-assisted review followed by physician interpretation.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize 'Holter' as it is a proper noun derived from the inventor's name.
In Context
- "The Holter monitor revealed frequent premature ventricular contractions correlating with the patient's palpitation episodes." — Cardiology follow-up report
- "A 48-hour Holter monitor was ordered to evaluate suspected paroxysmal atrial fibrillation." — Diagnostic test requisition