24hr Holter Monitor
24hr Holter Monitor
A Holter monitor test is an ambulatory monitoring procedure, which is a non-invasive test that utilises a miniature recorder that records an electrical trace of your heartbeat continuously for up to 24 hours, and which provides information about the electrical function of the heart.
In ambulatory monitoring procedures like the Holter monitor test, your doctor wants to know what your heart electrical system is doing in a 24-hour period. This may help to find reasons for some problems such as abnormal or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, faints, blackouts, palpitations, or checking pacemaker function.
Preparing for your visit
- On the day of the Holter monitor being attached, it is recommended you wear a loose-fitting clothing; this allows for easier fitting of the device.
- For preparation, your skin will be cleaned with alcohol wipes and gently abraded with skin prep tape to improve electrical connections.
- 3 ECG electrodes are placed on your chest with a sticky, but easy-to-remove, adhesive. Each electrode is attached to the anchor points of a small recording device which is positioned onto the chest.
- The technician fitting the monitor will give you more information about the Holter monitor recorder and the event recording option where you may tap the device if you feel unusual symptoms such as dizziness or palpitations.
- At the completion of 24 hours, you can remove the machine and cuff yourself and must be returned the following day to the same clinic you had the appointment at or as instructed by the technician. If it’s worn on a Friday, please make sure that it’s taken off and switched off after 24 hrs on Saturday and returned on Monday for the machine data to be analysed.
- Do not get the recorder wet. Anything lost or damaged will incur a replacement fee of over $2500.
- Do not use an electric blanket and ensure that you unplug it from the power point.
- Avoid the use of your mobile phone and keep it well away from the recorder and leads. Interference from the phone may tamper the recordings.
- Please let the staff know if you have had any allergic reactions to the electrode adhesives previously.
- The electrode adhesive can cause allergic reactions such as rashes, itchiness or redness immediately or which may not be obvious until about 24 hours after the test. If you experience any of the above reactions, please remove the electrodes and seek medical advice.
- If an electrode becomes dislodged, just put it back on and let us know. Frequent dislodgement may mean that the test needs to be repeated.
- If the device feels uncomfortable, comes loose or malfunction, contact the clinic immediately for assistance.
24hr Holter Monitor - How the Test is Done
Other Cardiology Services
Exercise Stress Test
ECG
This test evaluates how the heart performs under physical exertion, helping to diagnose and monitor heart conditions.
Echocardiogram
(TTE)
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound that assesses heart structure and function in real time and helps in diagnosing conditions.
Stress
Echocardiogram
A stress echocardiogram evaluates heart function and blood flow during exercise to assess cardiovascular health under exertion.
