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The Holter monitor is a device that works on Galvanometer's principle to record electrocardiographic signals from an individual going about his daily activities, like continuous ambulatory electrocardiography. This activity reviews the indications and contraindications of a Holter monitor and highlights the interprofessional team's role in managing patients with palpitations. Objectives: Determine the indications for a Holter monitor. Apply the technique of using a Holter monitor Determine the clinical relevance of a Holter monitor. Communicate the importance of improving care coordination among the interprofessional team to enhance care delivery for patients with palpitations undergoing placement of a Holter monitor. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

A Holter monitor is an ambulatory electrocardiographic system discovered by Dr Norman J Holter and his team in 1957 (see Image. Holter Monitor). Little did they know that their device would change how we track cardiac rhythms outside the hospital. Historically electrocardiography began in 1893 with the work of Einthovens string galvanometer.[1] The Holter monitor is a device that works on Galvanometer's principle to record electrocardiographic signals from an individual going about his daily activities, like continuous ambulatory electrocardiography. From 1961, various other modalities and advanced gadgets have been manufactured for this purpose.[2] Since then, it has formed the backbone of rhythm detection and analysis in Cardiac Electrophysiology.

The device stays in a pocket outside of the body close to the patient's chest, usually in the form of a neck sling or the patient's vest pocket. So theoretically, there aren't any complications, but the surface electrodes can irritate the underlying skin and, if left in place, cause skin ulceration. However, this rarely happens as the device technicians remove them when they remove the machine from the patient.

Holter monitors are excellent resources to look for and diagnose cardiac arrhythmias in the appropriate patient populace. Clinicians and physician assistants should be aware of the possibility of arrhythmias as they usually present with non-specific symptoms. Hence, a high index of suspicion and prompt referral/ recommendation is essential in this regard. With the advent of highly effective pharmacotherapy and interventional treatment of cardiovascular ailments, the pool of survivors and life expectancy is ever-growing. With this, the potential substrate for arrhythmias is also increasing daily, so Holter monitors can provide more information when appropriately utilized.