Holter Monitor
What is a Holter monitor?
A Holter monitor is a battery-powered device that records your heart’s activity for 24-48 hours or more. It is the size of a small camera and is worn on a strap around the shoulder, neck or waist. It has wires with small discs (electrodes) that stick to your skin to record your heart’s rhythm.
Why do people wear Holter monitors?
Regular electrocardiograms (EKGs) only show your heart’s activity at one moment. However, abnormal heart rhythms and symptoms may come and go. Your health care professional might want to see how your heart beats over time while you do normal activities. You may need to wear a Holter monitor if you have fast, slow or irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias.
Wearing the monitor can help your health care professional:
- See if your medications are working
- Find out why you feel dizzy, faint or like your heart is racing or skipping a beat
- Check if your heart is getting enough oxygen
What are the risks of Holter monitors?
Wearing a Holter monitor is safe and doesn’t hurt.
The electrodes may cause mild skin irritation because they are attached with tape or adhesives. Tell the technician if you are allergic to tapes or adhesives.
What should I expect with the Holter monitor?
A technician will put the monitor on you and show you how to record your symptoms while wearing it.
- The technician attaches the electrodes to your chest. If you have a hairy chest, they might have to shave some hair to help the electrodes stick firmly.
- Once the electrodes are on, the technician helps you put on the monitor. They will explain how to take care of it.
- You carry the monitor in a pocket or pouch, slung across your shoulders and neck like a purse or camera, or attach it to your waist.
- You can do your usual activities while you’re wearing the monitor except:
- Don’t bathe, shower or swim. The monitor can’t get wet.
- Don’t have X-rays.
- Stay away from high-voltage areas, metal detectors or large magnets.
- The technician will show you how to keep a diary of your activities and symptoms. If you feel symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats or dizziness, write in your diary the time and what you were doing. Your diary will be compared to the changes in your EKG recorded by the monitor.
What happens after wearing a Holter monitor?
After the test period, return the monitor to the technician. They will process the record of your heart activity and prepare a report for your health care professional. This will include your diary notes. You should get the test results in one to two weeks.
Learn more:
- View a printable Holter Monitor Diary (PDF)
- Cardiac Event Recorder for Arrhythmia
