Description:

The Holter monitor is a device that records the heart rhythm continuously for 24 to 48 hours. This means that it records each and every heart beat over that time. Electrodes placed on the chest with sticky patches are connected to wires from the Holter monitor.

What to Expect:

Electrodes will be placed on your chest with sticky patches that are connected by wires to the Holter monitor.

You’ll be asked to carry the monitor with you for the recording period as you go about your normal daily activities. As you can see from the pictures on this page, the monitor is easy to wear and does not impede your movements. Your heart rhythm is recorded onto a flash card technology and then processed at a heart center.

A diary comes with the Holter for you or your caregiver, to write down the time and type of symptoms experienced during the day. In this way changes in the rhythm can be reviewed and compared with the symptoms.

What the Test Shows:

From this recording, a wide variety of information can be obtained, including:

• heart rates during day and night
• abnormal heart beats
• recording of rhythm during any symptoms during the recording

Does it hurt?

No. Other than possible slight discomfort when the patches that hold the electrodes in place are removed you will feel no discomfort.