In such cases, cardiologists turn to Holter monitoring — a study that records cardiac activity continuously for 24 hours. This makes it possible to detect changes that might go unnoticed on a standard ECG and to build a more complete picture of the cardiovascular system.
When Might a Cardiologist Order Holter Monitoring?
A cardiologist may recommend Holter monitoring if you are experiencing:
- a rapid or racing heartbeat.
- a sense of irregular or skipped beats.
- a feeling that the heart is pausing or stopping.
- episodes of weakness or dizziness.
- unexplained loss of consciousness.
- sudden spikes or drops in pulse rate.
- discomfort or pressure in the chest.
What Does Holter Monitoring Reveal?
Holter monitoring does more than detect arrhythmias — it helps establish whether a patient’s symptoms are directly linked to changes in cardiac function.
The study can identify various types of arrhythmia, conduction abnormalities, episodes of abnormally fast or slow heart rate, and changes that occur during physical activity or sleep.
For example, if a patient notices irregular beats several times a day but none were captured on a standard ECG, Holter monitoring can record those episodes and correlate them with daily activity. This gives the physician a clearer picture of what is driving the symptoms and how best to proceed.
How Does the Procedure Work?
Electrodes are placed on the patient’s chest and connected to a small portable recorder. The device is compact and unobtrusive — it does not interfere with daily activities.
Once the Holter monitor is in place, patients carry on with their normal routine: going to work, walking, resting, and sleeping.
When the monitoring period is complete, the recorded data is reviewed by a cardiologist. During the follow-up consultation, the physician walks through the findings in detail, answers any questions, and recommends further investigations or treatment if indicated.
Holter Monitoring or a Cardiac Check-Up?
Holter monitoring is the right tool for detecting rhythm disturbances and linking them to a patient’s symptoms.
If you are looking for a broader assessment of your cardiovascular health, a cardiac check-up programme may be the more appropriate next step. SILK Medical offers a range of options to suit different clinical needs.
Special Offer at SILK Medical
SILK Medical’s branches in Vake and Digomi are currently running a special offer:
Holter monitoring + cardiologist consultation — 220 GEL instead of 300 GEL.
The package includes a full cardiologist consultation, during which the physician discusses the findings in detail and advises on any further steps.
