Holter Monitoring

About This Screening

A Holter monitor is a continuous, 24 or 48-hour EKG recording to evaluate a patient for possible heart rhythm or heart rate abnormalities. The device used is also sometimes called an ambulatory electrocardiography (ECG) device.

A Holter monitor is typically worn during regular daily activities in order to help your physician identify irregular heartbeat patterns, called heart arrhythmias, that may be the cause of certain symptoms. Since the recording covers 24 to 48 hours, a Holter monitor is much more likely to detect an abnormal heart rhythm than the ECG, which is a much shorter duration.

What should I expect during Holter monitoring?

There are typically no dietary, activity or medication restrictions when wearing a Holter monitor. However, follow the instructions given to you by the ordering physician.

When having a Holter monitor placed, the appointment will last approximately 15 to 20 minutes during which patients can expect:

• Five leadwires to be attached to the chest to detect and record heart rhythm.
• The leadwires connect to a small recorder about the size of a pager.
• Complete instructions will be provided when the monitor is placed on you.

Typically, patients are to perform their normal daily activities, except for showering, bathing or swimming. There is no risk of electric shock, and it is permissible to use cell phones, microwave ovens and other electronic devices while wearing the monitor. The physician who ordered the Holter monitor should have the results within 24 to 48 hours after the monitoring is complete.

If concerning or life-threatening rhythms are detected on your monitor, the ordering physician will be paged immediately, and you will be contacted as soon as possible with further instructions.