What type of monitoring may be used for patients with intermittent arrhythmias?

Holter monitoring is the appropriate choice for patients with intermittent arrhythmias because it provides a continuous recording of the heart's electrical activity over an extended period, typically 24 to 48 hours. This extended monitoring is essential for capturing transient arrhythmias that may not appear during a brief electrocardiogram (ECG) performed in a clinical setting. By wearing a portable device, the patient can go about their daily activities while the monitor records their heart rhythms, which can later be analyzed to identify any irregularities or patterns that might indicate an arrhythmia.

Continuous ECG monitoring is typically used in settings where patients need real-time observation, such as in intensive care units or during surgery, but it may not be practical for diagnosing sporadic arrhythmias occurring in outpatient settings. Standard blood pressure monitoring focuses on blood pressure readings and does not provide information about the heart's electrical activity or rhythm. Chest X-ray monitoring serves another purpose, primarily assessing the anatomical structures within the thorax, but does not evaluate cardiac rhythm.

The unique capability of Holter monitoring to track heart rhythm continuously over time makes it a valuable tool in the evaluation and management of patients with intermittent arrhythmias.