Holter Monitor
The holter monitor is a device that records the electrical impulses of the heart over a period of time as you wear it. It is lightweight, convenient to wear and discrete. The purpose of the test is to determine how your heart is responding to your day to day activities. You will be given a holter diary to record your notable symptoms, so please do not restrict yourself from your normal routine. However, it is important that the holter monitor does not get wet in any way.
Please follow these instructions the day of your holter monitor :
- Have a bath or shower before your appointment, as you will not be able to immerse yourself while wearing the monitor.
- Bring a list of your medications with you.
- Be prepared that a small area of your chest may need to be cleaned/shaved.
- Do not wear any oils, powders or lotions on your body before your appointment to help with the adhesion of the monitor.
While you’re wearing the monitor, it is important to note :
- Include things such as dizziness, fainting, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat in your holter monitory diary. Make sure to include the time, duration and description of your symptoms. Further information is noted in your diary.
- The device must not get wet. Do not bathe, shower or swim while wearing it.
- Refrain from using heated devices such as hot pad or heated blankets while wearing the device.
- There is a light on the device. It may be green, flash or go off completely. These are all normal. If the light goes red, please contact us.
- You can remove the monitor yourself at the time specified by the technologist and in your diary. It must also be returned promptly at the time noted, so that the data can be downloaded properly, and the device can be prepped for the next patient.
How long will the appointment last ?
It usually takes around 15 minutes for the monitor to be placed and instructions to be given
