Holter Monitoring

What it is

A Holter monitor is a portable ECG. A technologist places a few electrodes on your chest and connects them to a recorder you wear in a small pouch. Unlike a clinic ECG, it records continuously while you go about your day. You keep a simple diary of symptoms — palpitations, dizziness, chest discomfort — so we can match how you felt with what the rhythm was doing.

Why it is ordered

• Palpitations, skipped beats, or a racing heart that is not caught on a clinic ECG
• Unexplained dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• To check how well a medication or pacemaker is controlling your rhythm
• To look for silent ischaemia or pauses when clinically indicated

Before your visit

1. 01Wear a loose button-front or stretchy top so the recorder sits comfortably
2. 02Bathe before you arrive — you cannot shower while the monitor is on
3. 03Do not use heavy lotions or oils on the chest the morning of fitting
4. 04Bring your health card, requisition, and medication list

During the test

1. 01Three to five electrodes are placed on the chest; the recorder sits in a pouch
2. 02Go about ordinary activities; avoid swimming, baths, and heavy sweating if possible
3. 03Press the event button and jot a note if you feel symptoms
4. 04Example diary: 9:00 wake, 9:30 breakfast, 10:15 walk (palpitations), 22:00 bed

After

1. 01Return the monitor at the time you are given — do not throw it away
2. 02A cardiologist reviews the full recording against your diary
3. 03The report is sent to your referring physician

Questions we hear often