Holter Monitor

A Holter monitor is a battery-operated portable device that measures and records your heart’s activity (ECG) continuously for 24 to 48 hours or longer depending on the type of monitoring used. The device is about the size of a lipstick. It has five wires with five ECG electrodes that attach to your skin.

Your GP or Cardiologist wants to record your heart rate and rhythm for a longer period of time. This could be because you’re experiencing palpitations, fainting spells or racing of the heart, for example.

You will be asked to record any of these sensations or symptoms if they occur while you’re being monitored, as well as your daily activities. Your Cardiology nurse will explain what is expected of you when you have the Holter Monitor fitted.

The five electrodes will be attached to your shoulders and chest. You will not feel the measurements happening.

When you take the stickers off, this is not painful for most people. The Cardiology nurse may shave some small patches on your shoulders and chest.

The appointments to attach and remove the Holter Monitor will be about 10 minutes each.

For at least 24 hours, longer if the Doctor this is necessary.

Yes, as long as you are comfortable having a sponge bath afterwards, as the device must not get wet.

No, you will not be able to submerge the device, nor risk it getting wet.

As we only have a limited amount of Holter Monitors, we will schedule your appointments to ensure the devices can be returned to us promptly.

The Cardiology Technician reviews the results during the weekend and the analysis is then given to the Cardiologist. An appointment will then be made for you to discuss the results with your Cardiologist if required.