Holter Monitor
What is a Holter monitor?
A holter monitor is a device that records an electrocardiogram (EKG) over a period of time (usually 24 hours). It includes electrodes that are attached to your chest as well as a small recording device that documents a continuous EKG. Typically, this test is done to determine presence of an abnormal heart rate rhythm that is sporadic.
Preparing for the procedure
Take a bath or shower before the test. You will wear the monitor for 24 hours and will be unable to bathe. A technician will put several patches on your chest and attach them to wires and a tape recorder (a holter device), so wear a two-piece outfit of loose clothing.
During the procedure
You will wear the monitor for 24 hours or longer. The monitor can be strapped on a belt or carried in a case over the shoulder. Follow your daily activities and record them on the monitoring diary. Also, record any symptoms that develop during the day, such as dizziness, palpitations, chest pain or shortness of breath. Press the "event" button on the recorder if you feel these unusual symptoms.
Note: If an EKG patch comes off, reattach it with a piece of tape onto the skin and call the phone number on the monitoring diary to report it.
After the procedure
24 hours later, the monitor will be removed. If you are in the hospital, someone will come to take it off. If you are an outpatient, you must return to the same clinic at the appointed time to have it removed. You can resume normal activities. You will be informed about the results of the test by your Inova physician.
