Quick version
A long-term ECG is an important test for analyzing the heart's rhythm over time and is often used for symptoms such as palpitations, irregular heartbeat, dizziness or suspected rhythm disturbances. Unlike a regular ECG, the heart's activity is recorded continuously for one or more days, which makes it possible to detect temporary deviations that might otherwise be missed.
The test provides a detailed picture of the heart's function in everyday life, including pulse variation, extra beats and possible episodes of fast or slow heart rhythm. In most cases, the result shows a normal sinus rhythm with natural variations, which is often a reassuring message.
At the Test Clinic, your long-term ECG is analyzed by a cardiologist, and you receive a clear medical assessment of the result. This means that you not only get access to data - but also a concrete interpretation and guidance on whether further investigation is needed or not.
A long-term ECG is one of the most accurate examinations for investigating palpitations, irregular heartbeats and suspected rhythm disorders. Unlike a regular ECG, which records the heart's activity for a few seconds, a long-term ECG continuously monitors the heart's rhythm for one or more days.
This allows you to detect temporary deviations that are otherwise easily missed – especially those that occur during sleep, stress or physical activity. In most cases, the examination shows normal variations, but sometimes it can provide important information about underlying heart rhythm disorders.
What does a long-term ECG show?
The examination focuses on the heart's rhythm, pulse and any deviations over time. In most people, the recording is dominated by sinus rhythm, which is the heart's normal rhythm. The ECG also analyzes how the pulse varies between day and night, the occurrence of extra beats and any episodes of fast or slow heart rhythm.
Common findings on long-term ECG
1. Normal sinus rhythm
The most common finding is a normal heart rhythm with natural variations in heart rate depending on activity and rest.
- Lower heart rate during sleep.
- Higher heart rate during activity.
- Stable basic rhythm.
2. Extra beats (SVES and VES)
Extra beats are very common and mean that the heart beats an extra beat outside the normal rhythm.
- Feeling that the heart is "jumping".
- Common even in healthy people.
- Most often completely harmless at low frequency.
3. Fast rhythms (tachycardia)
In some cases, episodes of fast pulse can be recorded, such as supraventricular tachycardia or atrial fibrillation.
- Suddenly increased pulse.
- Can be experienced as palpitations.
- Sometimes needs further investigation.
4. Slow heart rate and pauses
During sleep, it is normal for the heart rate to drop and for shorter pauses to occur.
- Low heart rate at night.
- Shorter pauses in the heart rhythm.
- Often linked to recovery.
5. AV block and other transient rhythm phenomena
In some cases, temporary disturbances in signal transmission in the heart are seen, especially during rest.
- Common during sleep.
- Most often benign.
- Assessed in relation to symptoms.
What does the report look like after a long-term ECG?
After the examination, the recording is analyzed and compiled into a medical report. It contains both detailed data and a clear medical assessment.
The report shows, among other things, heart rate, rhythm, extra beats and any deviations over time.
Example of what you see in the reportHeart rate variability.
This graph shows heart rate variability (HRV), which reflects the variation between heartbeats. It is used to assess the balance between stress and recovery in the body.
Burden of ventricular extra beats (VES)
This shows how often extra beats from the heart's chambers occur over time. A low percentage is common and usually harmless.
Burden of supraventricular extra beats (SVES)
This graph shows extra beats from the atria. These are very common and occur even in completely healthy people.
Heart rate trend
The graph shows how the pulse varies throughout the recording and provides an overview of the heart's behavior in everyday life.
Patient events
Here are specific events where the heart's activity is analyzed in detail, often linked to symptoms or abnormal rhythm.
When is a long-term ECG relevant?
A long-term ECG is recommended for symptoms or suspicion of a rhythm disorder that is not caught by a regular ECG.
- Palpitation.
- Irregular pulse.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Suspected atrial fibrillation.
This is how it works with us
At the Test Clinic, you will receive a complete investigation from start to finish that lasts up to 5 days. You will also receive a clear medical interpretation of your results from a cardiologist.