Holter ECG adults and children
Where are the Holter ECG readings taken and who interprets them?
The recordings are read and interpreted by Doctor Olivier THOMAS, a deeply experienced cardiologist-rhythmologist and former Deputy Head Doctor of the Lariboisière Hospital Cardiology Ward. The Holter ECG units are fitted and removed at the Functional Testing Unit by a member of its nursing staff.
What is a Holter ECG?
A Holter is a portable device that makes a continuous electrocardiogram recording over a period of at least 24 hours. It gets its name from Doctor Norman Holter, the American bio-physician who invented this technique back in 1949. Modern Holter systems can be divided up into two sections:
– a recording unit on the patient which is connected to them via a number of electrodes (usually five, to record two more or less orthogonal derivations, the final electrode serves as the neutral) attached to the skin with adhesive tape; the unit contains a removable memory card on which the data recorded by the unit is stored;
– a data processing console: this is a computer with software to visualise and semi-automatically analyse the recorded data.
How does the Holter ECG take place?
The procedure requires you to go to the Functional Testing Unit where a nurse will fit the electrodes and recording unit. Once it has been fitted you will be able to leave the hospital and get on with your normal life, however the recording unit should be protected from shocks and humidity. You will be asked to return to the hospital for the removal of the unit on the following day, on completion of the 24 hour recording period. The contents of the memory card will then be transferred to the processing console where the cardiologist-rhythmologist (a doctor specialised in cardiac rhythm disorders) will use special software to read and interpret all of the data collected during the recording period.
What information does the Holter ECG provide?
The most common symptoms that lead to the prescription of a Holter ECG test are precordial palpitations and attacks, with or without loss of consciousness.
The Holter is a useful test for diagnosing cardiac rhythm or conduction disorders, especially if they are paroxysmal (irregular) and occasionally asymptomatic (not felt by the patient). A Holter recording gives the cardiac frequency (maximum, minimum and average over 24 hours), presence of bradycardia or tachycardia, the number and type of extrasystoles (premature heart beats), and the daytime and night-time trends. The Holter test can also evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac rhythm disorder treatments.
Does the Holter ECG test involve any risks?
This is a completely pain-free test that involves no risk whatsoever for the patient.
When will the results be issued?
Normally it takes between and 24 hours and a week to produce a definitive test report which will be given to you in person by the reception office. If the test results require, the cardiologist-rhythmologist who completed the report may communicate the essentials of the results to you GP by telephone. In some specific cases (patients resident outside of the Paris region or with mobility issues) the results can be posted to your residential address or that of the prescribing practitioner.