A Holter monitor is a machine that continuously records the heart’s rhythms. The monitor is worn for 24 hours during normal activity.

Prep:  There is no prep for this test; however, please refrain from lotions the day of testing as this may cause the electrodes to not adhere to your chest. Also, inform the technician if you are allergic to any tape or other adhesives

How the Test is Performed :
Electrodes (small conducting patches) are stuck onto your chest. These are attached by wires to a small recording monitor. You carry the Holter monitor in a pouch worn around your neck or clipped to your waist. The monitor runs on batteries.

While you wear the monitor, it records your heart’s electrical activity.

• After 24 hours, the monitor will turn itself off. You will return the monitor to your doctor’s office.

• The doctor will evaluate the recordings for any abnormal heart rhythms.

Continue your normal activities while wearing the monitor. You may be asked to exercise while being monitored if your symptoms have occurred in the past while you were exercising.

How the Test will Feel:
This is a painless test. However, some people may need to have their chest shaved so the electrodes can stick.
You must keep the monitor close to your body. This may make it hard for you to sleep.

Holter monitoring is used to determine how the heart responds to normal activity. The monitor may also be used:

•  After a heart attack
•  To diagnose heart rhythm problems
•  When starting a new heart medicine