What is the duration of monitoring with a Holter monitor?

The duration of monitoring with a Holter monitor is typically 24 hours. This type of ambulatory electrocardiography is designed to record the heart's electrical activity continuously over a short period to detect arrhythmias, ischemic episodes, or other cardiac conditions that may not occur during a standard electrocardiogram (ECG) taken in a clinical setting.

The 24-hour duration is ideal for capturing a comprehensive snapshot of the patient's heart rhythm during normal daily activities, including various physical and emotional states. Longer monitoring periods are generally accomplished using different types of monitors, such as event recorders or loop recorders, which might be used for several days to weeks. In contrast, a duration of only 2 hours is not sufficient to gather the necessary data for accurate interpretation of varying cardiac events.