What are some different types of Holter and event monitors?

Some different types of Holter and event monitors are as follows:

Holter Monitors:

• Holter monitors are sometimes called continuous EKGs (electrocardiograms). This is because Holter monitors record the heart rhythm continuously for 24 to 48 hours.
• These sensors pick up your heart's electrical signals, and the monitor records your heart's rhythm.

Wireless Holter Monitors:

• Wireless Holter monitors have a longer recording time than standard Holter monitors.The wireless version records your heart's electrical activity for a preset amount of time.
• These monitors are called wireless because they use a cell phone to send the data to your doctor's office.

Event Monitors:

• Event monitors are similar to Holter monitors. You wear one while you do your normal daily activities. Most event monitors have wires that connect the device to sensors that are stuck to your chest using sticky patches.

Postevent Recorders:

• Postevent recorders are among the smallest event monitors. You can wear a postevent recorder like a wristwatch or carry it in your pocket.

Presymptom Memory Loop Recorders:

• Presymptom memory loop recorders are the size of a small cell phone. They're also called continuous loop event recorders.

Autodetect Recorders:

• Autodetect recorders are about the size of the palm of your hand. These recorders detect abnormal heart rhythms and automatically record and send the data to your doctor's office.

Implantable Loop Recorders:

• You may need an implantable loop recorder if other event monitors can't provide enough data.Implantable loop recorders are about the size of a pack of gum. This type of event monitor is inserted under the skin on your chest. No wires or chest sensors are used.

Zio:

• The Zio monitor works like a wireless Holter monitor, but contains its data in a single unit that can stay on the chest up to 14 days. After that it can be mailed to the company that makes the Zio and its data delivered to your healthcare provider.

This answer from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute has been reviewed and/or edited by Dr. William D. Knopf.