What is a holter monitor also known as?

A Holter monitor is commonly referred to as an ambulatory EKG. This designation highlights its primary function: to continuously monitor the electrical activity of the heart over an extended period, typically 24 to 48 hours, while the patient goes about their normal daily activities. The term "ambulatory" emphasizes that the monitoring occurs outside of the clinical environment, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of the heart's rhythm in real-world conditions.

This type of monitoring is crucial for diagnosing transient cardiac events that may not be captured during a standard, brief EKG performed in a clinic or hospital setting. It provides invaluable data for healthcare providers in the evaluation of arrhythmias, syncope, palpitations, and other heart-related symptoms.

In comparison, terms like mobile ECG and portable ECG might suggest similar functions; however, they do not specifically convey the aspect of continuous monitoring in a free-moving context, which is a key characteristic of a Holter monitor. Continuous cardiac monitor could also suggest ongoing heart monitoring but doesn't directly align with the established nomenclature used for the Holter approach. Thus, "ambulatory EKG" is the most applicable and widely recognized term for a Holter monitor.