Understanding the service

What is it and what is its purpose?

The practice uses Spacelabs Eclipse Pro for continuous ambulatory ECG recording. It can provide extended 3-channel rhythm monitoring or true 12-lead Holter monitoring when more detailed morphological and spatial information about an arrhythmia is needed.

Holter monitoring records many hours of daily life and can reveal arrhythmias missed by a brief ECG. Three-channel recording suits most rhythm questions and can continue for longer. Twelve-lead recording adds detail about the shape and direction of each beat, particularly helping distinguish ventricular morphologies and assess the likely origin of a ventricular arrhythmia.

How it is performed

01
Selection of 3-channel or 12-lead recording according to symptoms and the diagnostic question.
02
Skin preparation, placement of the appropriate electrodes and connection to the compact Eclipse Pro recorder.
03
Normal daily activities, with accurate notes of the time of each symptom or significant activity.
04
Full analysis of the recording, morphologies and timing of symptoms.

Available at the practice

Spacelabs Eclipse Pro

A modern ambulatory recording system allows the investigation to match the clinical question: extended 3-channel Holter monitoring or detailed 12-lead Holter monitoring.

3 channels · up to 14 days12 leads · up to 72 hours

Spacelabs Eclipse Pro recorder with lead sets for 3-channel and 12-lead recording — The same compact recorder connects to different electrode sets, depending on the investigation.

01

3-channel Holter monitoring

Prioritises a longer recording period. Often used for palpitations, dizziness or fainting, to look for atrial fibrillation, and to measure the frequency or overall burden of an arrhythmia.

Fewer electrodes
Longer monitoring duration
Suitable for most routine rhythm assessments

02

12-lead Holter monitoring

Continuously records the heart from the same twelve perspectives as a standard ECG, rather than just a few channels. This retains more information about the morphology and direction of electrical activity.

Better differentiation of PVC morphologies
More detailed assessment of the likely origin of a ventricular arrhythmia
Useful for intermittent arrhythmias missed on a brief ECG

Why it matters

More leads provide more information about morphology.

A standard 12-lead ECG lasts only a few seconds and may miss an episode. A conventional Holter records for much longer but from fewer perspectives. A 12-lead Holter combines continuous recording with detailed ECG morphology.

It is not automatically the best choice for everyone. When the aim is to capture an infrequent symptom, the longer duration of 3-channel Holter monitoring may have greater diagnostic value.

Eclipse Pro recording options: up to 72 hours with 12 leads and up to 14 days with 3 channels — **Two diagnostic options.** Recording duration and lead configuration are chosen according to the symptoms and suspected arrhythmia.

Illustrative 12-lead Holter placement with ten chest electrodes — **How it is worn.** Ten adhesive electrodes are used for a 12-lead recording. The discreet recorder is worn in a pouch or on a clip. The image is illustrative; the exact arrangement is adjusted by the doctor.

Technical specifications and product image: Spacelabs Healthcare. Eclipse Pro is a trademark of its manufacturer.

The patient experience

What to expect, step by step

Understanding the procedure helps you arrive better prepared and with greater confidence.

Portable Holter heart rhythm monitor — The portable recorder continuously stores the ECG. Electrode configuration differs between 3-channel and true 12-lead recording.

01

On the day of your investigation or treatment

A few chest electrodes are used for 3-channel recording. True 12-lead Holter monitoring uses ten electrodes, as for a standard ECG, adapted for ambulatory recording. The compact Eclipse Pro is worn with a pouch, clip or strap. You continue your usual activities and record the time of palpitations, dizziness, breathlessness or other symptoms.

BEFORE

Preparation

Wear comfortable clothes and avoid creams or oils on the chest. Limited hair removal may be needed for good electrode contact. Continue medication as usual unless instructed otherwise.

AFTER

The first few hours

There are no restrictions after removal. Mild adhesive-related irritation is uncommon. The full recording is analysed before the medical report is completed.

RETURN

Back to everyday life

Continue daily life as normally as possible for a representative recording. The manufacturer describes the Eclipse Pro and its lead sets as shower-resistant, but always follow the specific instructions given when it is fitted. If a representative episode is not captured, longer monitoring may be needed.

Important

A 12-lead Holter is not necessary for every patient. The choice between 3 channels and 12 leads depends on the clinical question, symptom frequency and required recording duration. Your treating team's individual instructions always take priority over the general information on this page.

Frequently asked questions

Practical answers before your appointment

Will it hurt?

Most non-invasive investigations are painless. You may feel only mild pressure from the ultrasound probe, blood pressure cuff or adhesive electrodes.

Should I stop my medication?

Not without specific medical instructions. Anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, diabetes medicines and other treatments may require special management, tailored to each patient and procedure.

When will I know the result?

Some results are available immediately, while recordings such as Holter or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring require full analysis. The results and next steps will be discussed at the agreed time.

When is urgent help needed?

New severe chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting or persistent neurological symptoms require an immediate call to 112. Do not report these through the contact form.

Information sources

Based on reliable patient information

The content has been adapted for patients and clinical practice. It is not individual medical advice.

Individual assessment

Discuss whether this service is right for you.

Assessment by Dimitrios Gerontitis, cardiologist and arrhythmia specialist, in Chalkida or Marousi, Athens (IASO). View practice telephone numbers and addresses.

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3-Channel & 12-Lead Holter Monitoring