Holter Monitor Test

A Holter Monitor is a small unit worn on your waist to give a continuous recording of the electrical activity in your heart over an extended period of time, (approximately 24, 48 or 72 hours).

Your doctor would order a Holter Monitor Test to:

• Investigate cardiac arrhythmia
• Check an irregular heartbeat
• Test palpitations
• Rule out or confirm myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• Evaluate a pacemaker
• Review your heart medications
• Assess your heart rate and rhythm during daily activities

What you should know

Please wear comfortable clothing such as a front-buttoning blouse or shirt that gives easy access to your chest.  Avoid wearing a dress, full slip, corset or pantyhose.
Please allow approximately 30 minutes for your test.

After a routine ECG (electrocardiogram), our technologist will attach electrodes to your chest with wires that lead to the Holter Monitor.  The Holter Monitor is the size of a small cell phone and fits at your waist under your clothes.

You cannot shower or bathe while the monitor is attached to you.  Please do not sleep under an electric blanket, as the monitor may pick up electrical interference.
There are no side effects to this test.  If you are allergic to any tape, please tell the technologist who attaches the monitor to you.

FAQs

Will the monitor cause me to have symptoms?

No, it is simply a recording device.

What is an ECG?

An ECG or electrocardiogram is a two-minute test that records the electrical activity of your heart onto graph paper for interpretation.

What does the Holter Monitor do?

It monitors your heart rate and rhythm over a period of time during your daily activities.

What if I can’t wear the monitor for the full 24/48 hours?

There still may be enough information on the monitor to get results.

Why do I have to bring the monitor back the next day?

The monitor will be used for someone else and it is imperative to have it back as soon as possible.

Will the monitor be affected by microwaves, etc.?

No, but an electric blanket may affect the equipment.

What happens to my monitor after I return it?

We download the information about your heart from the monitor and we send a report to the cardiologist for review and interpretation. 
 

Contact us

Markham Site:  (905) 472-7020

More information