How long is a Holter monitor typically worn to monitor heart activity?

A Holter monitor is typically worn for 24 hours to provide a continuous recording of the heart's activity. This duration allows for the capture of various heart rhythms and patterns that may occur during normal daily activities, providing a comprehensive view of the patient's heart function.

Wearing the monitor for 24 hours strikes a balance between capturing enough data to identify any irregularities while also being a manageable timeframe for the patient. It allows for the monitoring of heart rhythms during a range of daily activities, including sleep, exercise, and periods of rest, which is critical for accurate diagnosis and assessment.

Longer monitoring periods, such as 48 or 72 hours, might be employed in specific clinical situations or for patients with suspected transient arrhythmias that occur less frequently. However, the standard for everyday practice is 24 hours, making it the most common timeframe for Holter monitoring.