Holter Monitor
Holter monitoring is a continuous test to record your heart's rate and rhythm for 24 - 48 hours. The Holter monitor is a small device that you wear as you go about your normal daily routine. It helps the physician correlate symptoms of dizziness, palpitations (a sensation of fast or irregular heart rhythm) or black outs. This device has electrodes and electrical leads exactly like a regular EKG, but it has fewer leads.
Getting Ready
- No special preparation is necessary
- Please arrive on time
What to Expect
An area of your chest will be cleaned with a prepping agent and alcohol. If necessary, your chest will be shaved. EKG pads are placed on your chest. The monitor will be attached via the electrical cable and a sample tracing will be observed.
The monitor will be started and placed in a pouch, which you will wear around on a belt around your waist, or on a shoulder strap. You will be given a diary to maintain while wearing the monitor. The monitor will record continuously. In addition, there is an event marker you will be shown, which you can activate. This will mark the recording when you are having symptoms. You will need to be prepared to return the monitor in 24 hours, or at a time that has been arranged with the cardiovascular staff.
This appointment takes about 20 minutes and you will be able to drive yourself home.
After the Test
You can maintain your normal activity while wearing the monitor, except for taking a shower or going swimming. You can not get the monitor wet. You may not disconnect or stop the monitor while you are wearing it.
The physician who ordered the test will receive the results. Check with your medical provider to find out when the results will be available to you.
Cardiovascular Services – (508) 422-2460
