What is a Holter Monitor?
A Holter Monitor is a portable device that records your heart rhythm as you go about your daily activities. It clips onto your waistband and features several small sensors (called ‘electrodes’) that we attach to your chest.
You take the Holter Monitor home with you and continue to wear it as you go about your usual daily activities, including sleep.
Why do I need a Holter Monitor?
Your doctor may recommend a Holter Monitor if they suspect there may be a problem with your heart rate or rhythm.
You may need a Holter Monitor if you are experiencing:
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia/palpitations)
Sometimes you’ll be asked to wear a Holter Monitor after having an ECG. An ECG only measures heart rhythm for a short period of time and sometimes a longer period is needed to identify the problem.
What can I expect:
You will need to shower before having your Holter Monitor fitted, because once it’s attached you can’t get it wet or remove it.
If you are a woman, we recommend wearing a skirt or pants (as opposed to a dress) so that the monitor can clip onto your waistband.
If you are a man, we may need to shave the hair on your chest to help the sensors stick to your skin.
While wearing the Holter Monitor, you must:
- Carry on with your normal routine and activities
- Keep wearing the device at all times, even while sleeping
- Keep a diary of your daily activities and the times you did them
- Record any symptoms such as dizziness, light-headedness, chest pain or shortness of breath
After 1 – 3 days, you’ll return to Global Cardiology with the Holter Monitor and your diary. We’ll remove the device and analyse your results, then recommend a treatment plan.