A Holter monitor is a small portable device that records your how fast your heart is beating and the rhythm of your heartbeat. Depending on your symptoms your doctor may ask you to wear the monitor for 24 to 48 hours. Your doctor may recommend a Holter monitor for you if you are experiencing symptoms such as feeling like your heart is beating too fast or too hard, or skipping a beat.
The Purposes of a Holter Monitoring Test are to:
- Measure heart palpitations
- Check for irregular heartbeat
- Check for heart arrhythmias
- Check how well your pacemaker is working (if you have one)
- To see how well any heart medications you are taking are working to control your symptoms
Wearing the monitor will not cause any symptoms.
Resources for Patients & Their Families
What to Expect During Your Appointment
- A staff member will prepare your chest for the monitor.
- They will apply sticky electrodes to your chest. The electrodes will be connected to lead wires and the Holter monitor.
- You will leave the hospital wearing the monitor and continue your daily activities.
- You will be given a diary and asked to write down any symptoms you experience.
- Do not take a shower or take a bath while wearing the monitor.
Borrowing Holter Monitors
You will be asked to sign a borrowing agreement form to take responsibility for the equipment when leaving the hospital.
When you are done with the monitor you will return it to the hospital where we will download the information recording on it and give it to the heart doctor (Cardiologist) to review.
