ECG Holter and Cardiac Monitoring for Children
Catching Hidden Heart Rhythm Issues Through Continuous Monitoring
At KidsHeart Medical Center, we know that some heart conditions don’t always show up during a short clinic visit.
That’s why we offer ECG Holter Monitoring and Ambulatory Cardiac Monitoring and more as part of our Pediatric Cardiology Services.
Specialized tools record your child’s heart rhythm continuously over 24 to 72 hours, even during sleep or physical activity.
These tests help us detect intermittent or silent heart rhythm abnormalities that standard ECGs might miss.
What is Holter Monitoring?
Holter Monitoring involves attaching a small, portable ECG device to your child’s chest using soft adhesive electrodes or patches.
- The device records the heart’s electrical activity throughout the day and night.
- It can be worn for 24, 48, or 72 hours, depending on the situation.
- New telemetry devices can be used for recording and sending immediate alerts for abnormal rhythm, up to 2 weeks.
- Children can go about their regular activities while wearing the monitor.
It provides a full picture of how the heart is functioning across real-life conditions — at rest, during exercise, sleep, or times of emotional stress.
When is Holter Monitoring Recommended?
Your child’s doctor may recommend cardiac monitoring if your child experiences:
- Unexplained fainting (syncope)
- Intermittent palpitations or chest discomfort
- Suspected abnormal heart rhythms
- Fatigue or dizziness without a known cause
- A known heart condition that requires rhythm surveillance
- Post-surgical cardiac follow-up
- Screening before high-level sports participation
It is also helpful for monitoring children with pacemakers or those being treated for known arrhythmias.
What to Expect
- Our team places small electrodes on the chest and connects them to a lightweight device worn in a pouch or clipped to clothing.
- Parents are provided with a symptom diary to record any episodes (e.g., dizziness, chest pain).
- After the monitoring period, you return the device, and our specialists analyze the recording.
- Results are shared with you in a follow-up appointment.
Holter monitors are completely safe, and children usually forget they’re wearing one after a few minutes.
Benefits of Holter and Ambulatory Cardiac Monitoring
- Helps identify irregular heart rhythms that occur only occasionally
- Allows correlation of symptoms with heart activity
- Provides valuable information for long-term heart management
- Assists in adjusting or confirming the effectiveness of medications or interventions
- Offers peace of mind when symptoms are unexplained
Unlike a standard ECG, Holter Monitoring shows us what’s happening over time — not just during a brief visit.
Why Choose KidsHeart?
- Tests interpreted by Pediatric Cardiologists who specialize in rhythm disorders
- Child-friendly equipment and techniques for comfort and safety
- Detailed counseling and support throughout the testing process
- Clear reports with next-step recommendations if abnormalities are found
- Located in Major Cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain for convenient access
We make monitoring easy and stress-free for both parents and children — while delivering the clarity you need.
Dr Mohamed Sulaiman
Consultant, Fetal & Pediatric Cardiologist – American Board Assistant professor, Columbia University, New York
Dr. Ala Anbar
Consultant Pediatric Cardiologist – ARDMS/RDCS/ASE/Jordanian Board
Dr. Emile A. Bacha
Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon – American Board
Dr. Heba Ghazy
Consultant, Pediatrics/Pediatric Cardiology MD, MRCPCH, EACVI certified in CHD
Dr. Salwa Morcos Gendi
Consultant Fetal, Pediatric Cardiologist, and Adults with CHD
Prof. Cem Karadeniz
Pediatric Electrophysiologist – MD, PhD – AEPC, EHRA, Pediatric & Congenital Electrophysiology Society
Comprehensive Cardiac Rhythm Monitoring — Where You Are
At KidsHeart, our cardiac monitoring services help detect and manage complex heart rhythm conditions with precision and ease.
We are proud to offer these services in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain, ensuring accessible and expert care wherever you are.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. It’s completely painless. The electrodes may feel slightly sticky or itchy, but children typically adapt quickly and forget about the device.
This depend on the device type. For the wired devices, it must must stay dry. For the Cardiomem patch it can be still kept during bath time, but not while swimming in a pool.
No restrictions are needed, but avoid rough sports or anything that could damage the device. Routine school, sports and physical activities are fine.
If no symptoms occur during monitoring, further tests like longer-term monitors or exercise stress tests may be considered. The symptom diary helps us make this decision.
Our specialists typically analyze the data within a few days and share the results during your follow-up visit.