What is the primary purpose of a Holter monitor?

The primary purpose of a Holter monitor is to record heart rhythms continuously over a specified period, typically 24 to 48 hours. This device is worn by the patient and provides a detailed view of the electrical activity of the heart, allowing for the detection of arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms that may not be captured during a standard electrocardiogram (ECG) performed in a clinical setting. By continuously monitoring the heart’s activity during daily activities, healthcare providers can gain insights into the patient’s condition and make more accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions based on the collected data.

In contrast, measuring blood pressure over time focuses on a different aspect of cardiovascular health, while performing echocardiograms involves ultrasound imaging to view the heart's structure and function. Analyzing blood oxygen levels typically applies to assessing respiratory functionality rather than purely cardiac activity. Each of these options serves distinct diagnostic purposes, but the Holter monitor is specifically designed for continuous heart rhythm assessment.