A 7-day Holter monitor is the most reliable way to catch intermittent heart rhythm problems that a one-off ECG will almost always miss. At The Cardiology Doctors in Marylebone we fit a modern, discreet Holter device in clinic, you wear it during normal daily life for up to 7 days, then we analyse every beat and Dr Nabila Laskar issues a full consultant report. It is the test of choice for palpitations, dizzy spells, blackouts, suspected atrial fibrillation and follow-up after a heart rhythm procedure. No GP referral is required and same-week appointments are usually available.
A Holter monitor is a small, lightweight ambulatory ECG recorder, about the size of a matchbox, that continuously records every heartbeat through a few sticky electrodes on the chest. Modern devices are wireless, water-resistant and barely visible under clothing. The classic version records for 24 hours; a 7-day Holter records for a full week, which dramatically increases the chance of capturing an intermittent arrhythmia. The recording is downloaded and analysed beat-by-beat using specialist software, then reviewed and reported personally by Dr Laskar.
Fitting takes about 15 minutes. The skin is cleaned and three to five small electrodes are placed on the chest. The recorder clips onto a belt or sits in a small pouch and is connected to the electrodes by short leads. You are shown how to keep a brief symptom diary — noting the time and what you were doing if you feel palpitations, dizziness or any other symptom. You then go home and live normally for 7 days. At the end of the recording period you simply remove the electrodes, drop the device back at the clinic or return it in our pre-paid pack, and we take care of the rest.
The fitting appointment is short — usually 15 to 20 minutes. There is no preparation required. Please wear a loose top that opens at the front if possible. Avoid heavy body cream or oils on the chest that day, as the electrodes stick better to clean, dry skin. Once fitted, you can drive, work, exercise gently and sleep normally. You will be given clear written instructions, a 24-hour contact number, and a simple symptom diary to fill in.
A Holter monitor is a small wearable device that continuously records your heart’s electrical activity (ECG) for 24 hours up to 7 days. It is used to detect irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that may not show up on a brief in-clinic ECG.
Our standard Holter is worn for 7 days. A 7-day recording is much more likely to catch an intermittent arrhythmia than a 24- or 48-hour study, while still being short enough to be comfortable for most patients.
Our modern devices are water-resistant and most patients can shower normally. We will give you specific written instructions when the device is fitted. Baths, swimming and saunas should be avoided.
A Holter monitor can detect atrial fibrillation and other supraventricular arrhythmias, ventricular ectopics and tachycardia, heart block, slow heart rates (bradycardia), pauses, and the heart-rate response to your daily activities and symptoms.
Once the device is returned, the recording is analysed and Dr Laskar issues a full written consultant report, usually within 5–7 working days. Urgent findings are flagged immediately.
No. You can self-refer and book directly. With your consent we can send a copy of the report to your GP afterwards.
A 24-hour Holter only catches arrhythmias that happen on that single day. Most palpitations are intermittent, so a 7-day Holter has a much higher diagnostic yield and is now considered first-line for symptoms such as palpitations and dizzy spells.