What is Holter Monitoring?

Holter Monitoring, a type of Electrocardiogram, is a 24-hour recording of the heart's electrical activity. The Holter Monitor (a small recording device) is attached to you by a specially-skilled technician and is worn for 24-hours. During this 24-hour period, you are encouraged to perform your typical daily activities. After the 24-hours is complete, you will return the monitor and the technician will download the recording into a special computer for analysis and preparation for your doctor's interpretation.

Some of the things your doctor may learn from your Holter Monitoring include:

  • if your heart skips beats or otherwise beats irregularly
  • if your heartbeat is too fast or too slow
  • if any symptoms you have such as 'thumps' in your chest, 'skips', palpitations or other sensations might be due to your heart beating irregularly
  • if any symptoms such as dizziness or lightheadedness might be due to your heart beating irregularly

    • What To Expect.

    For the test, four (4) electrodes are attached in various places on your chest and wires from the Holter Monitor are attached to the electrodes. The technician may give you a diary to record any symptoms you might have while wearing the device. The Holter Monitor is then worn when you leave the office for a 24-hour period. The Monitor is quite small (3.0 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches), light-weight (less than 3 oz.), and minimally noticable while you wear it.
    PLEASE NOTE THAT THE MONITOR IS NOT WATERPROOF. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SHOWER OR BATHE, SWIM, OR USE A HOT TUB WHILE YOU ARE WEARING IT.

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