For which condition is a Holter Monitor typically used?

A Holter monitor is a specialized device used for continuous cardiac monitoring, making it an essential tool in the evaluation of heart rhythms over an extended period, usually 24 to 48 hours. This portable electrocardiogram (ECG) records the heart's electrical activity while the patient engages in their usual daily activities. The information gathered can help identify abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or correlate symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or chest pain with the heart's electrical activity.

In contrast, other options, such as stress testing, involve assessing how the heart performs under physical exertion, while blood pressure monitoring is typically done using a sphygmomanometer or automated devices over shorter periods. Respiratory monitoring does not relate to cardiac rhythm at all and usually involves different equipment focused on lung function. Thus, the primary purpose of the Holter monitor aligns distinctly with continuous cardiac monitoring, highlighting its uniqueness in cardiac diagnostics.