Holter Monitor
Holter Monitor provides a continuous recording of the heart’s electrical activity (electrocardiogram or ECG). This information will assist your doctor to diagnose a number of different problems that might occur due to an altered heart rhythm.
A Holter Monitor may be ordered to investigate symptoms such as; palpitations, a racing heart, dizziness, and black outs (syncope).
The monitor takes about 15-20 minutes to attach and you will be required to return the following day, to our Consulting Rooms, to have it removed and analysed.
Using a Holter Monitor
Monitoring electrodes are placed on your upper body. These electrodes relay the heart's electrical impulses to the portable recorder. Each heartbeat is recorded for the entire period that the Holter Monitor is attached.
Typically, this is for a 24-hour period, but in some circumstances your doctor may request a longer period of recording. The duration of recording will depend upon the particular heart rhythm problem that your doctor is investigating.
After the recording period, you are required to return to our Consulting Rooms at Level 6, St John of God Hospital, to have the device removed. The recording will then be analysed by one of our cardiac technicians and reviewed by a cardiologist. A formal report is sent to your doctor.
Holter Monitor does not usually cause any discomfort. However, some people may develop irritation of the skin where the electrodes are attached with adhesive. You are encouraged to undertake your usual activities during the test, but you should avoid very vigorous exercise so that a clear recording is obtained. Whilst the Holter Monitor is attached, you will not be able to shower or immerse yourself in a bath, so it is best to bathe before your appointment. You should not sleep with an electric blanket during the monitoring, as this may cause a poor quality recording.