24-hour Holter Monitor

What is a Holter Monitor?
A 24-hour Holter monitor is an electrocardiogram( EKG) record of the heart’s activity.

How is the test done?
The test is done over a 24-hour period as you go about your daily activities. It is safe and painless. A Holter monitor is a small box the size of a Walkman or transistor radio. It has five small cables that are attached to electrode patches and placed on your chest. The monitor is attached to your belt or carried in a pouch with a strap around your neck. The monitor records the activity of your heart on a magnetic tape. After you return the monitor, the magnetic tape is played back through a machine and the results are reported to your doctor.

Why is a Holter monitor done?
The Holter monitor may be scheduled for several reasons. Your doctor may want a record of your chest pain, irregular or fast heart rates, dizziness, or fainting spells. It may also be done to see if a new heart medication you are taking is working properly.

What happens after the monitor is attached?
After the monitor is attached, you will be instructed by the EKG technician to go about your normal daily activities. A diary is given to you by the technician and you will be asked to keep a record of your activities. Symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or irregular beats of your heart should also be noted. You will not be able to take a bath, shower, or get your chest area wet during the 24-hour test. The monitor records on a magnetic tape, so you must not have x-rays during this test as they will interfere with the tape.