Long-term monitoring enables a more detailed assessment of cardiac function, the type and characteristics of arrhythmias, and blood pressure behavior in various situations.
The most common types of long-term monitoring include:
Long-term electrocardiogram monitoring (Holter test)
Symptom-triggered ECG (event ECG)
Long-term blood pressure monitoring
Watch the video: Long-term monitoring. The video is produced by HUS and includes subtitles in Finnish, Swedish, and English.
Long-term ECG monitoring, or Holter monitoring, is used to detect intermittent or recurrent disturbances in the heart’s electrical activity over a 24-hour period in varying conditions. The Holter device records the patient’s heart rate during the monitoring period. This method allows investigation of symptoms that do not appear in a resting ECG.
The monitoring can help determine:
Heart rate in different situations
Arrhythmias and extrasystoles, and related symptoms
Whether arrhythmias originate from the atria or ventricles
Correlation between symptoms and changes in heart rhythm
Often, the mechanism of the arrhythmia can also be deduced from the results. The monitoring is also used to investigate unexplained episodes of loss of consciousness. It helps assess the need or effectiveness of antiarrhythmic medication or pacemaker therapy.
No special preparation is required. The referring physician will provide instructions regarding medication.
Electrodes are attached to the skin on your chest, and you will receive a small portable recording device. Attaching the device takes about 30 minutes. The monitoring lasts 24–72 hours. During the monitoring, a diary of activities and symptoms is kept.
The physician who referred you for the examination will inform you of the results and the next steps in your care. Contact your care unit if you do not have a scheduled appointment or call time.
Watch the video: What is long-term ECG monitoring and what happens during the monitoring? The video is produced by KYS and includes subtitles in Finnish and Swedish.
Symptom-triggered ECG (event ECG) is used when investigating infrequent cardiac symptoms. The patient performs ECG recordings independently over a 2–4 week period using a recording device, following specific instructions.
The goal is to maintain normal daily activities during the monitoring. You will receive further instructions from your examination site.
The physician who referred you for the examination will inform you of the results and the next steps in your care. Contact your care unit if you do not have a scheduled appointment or call time.
Long-term blood pressure monitoring is used to assess blood pressure levels and fluctuations at different times of the day. This provides a more reliable picture than single measurements.
The monitoring can evaluate average blood pressure over 24 hours, daytime and nighttime blood pressure, and the effects of various conditions on pressure fluctuations.
A cuff is placed on your upper arm and connected to a recording device. The device automatically measures your blood pressure 1–4 times per hour. You will receive detailed instructions from your examination site.
The physician who referred you for the examination will inform you of the results and the next steps in your care. Contact your care unit if you do not have a scheduled appointment or call time.
Updated 4.4.2025
