Holter monitor (24h)

Electrodes (small conducting patches) are stuck onto your chest. These are attached by wires to a small recording monitor. You carry the Holter monitor in a pocket or pouch worn around your neck or waist. The monitor runs on batteries. While you wear the monitor, it records your heart's electrical activity. Keep a…

You do not need to prepare for the test. Your provider will start the monitor. You'll be told how to replace the electrodes if they fall off or get loose. Contact your provider if the monitor turns off before the end of the test. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any tape or other adhesives. Make sure you…

This is a painless test. However, some people may need to have their chest shaved so the electrodes can stick. You must keep the monitor close to your body. This may make it hard for you to sleep. Occasionally there may be an uncomfortable skin reaction to the sticky electrodes. You should contact your provider's…

Holter monitoring is used to determine how the heart responds to normal activity. The monitor may also be used: After a heart attack To diagnose heart rhythm problems that may be causing symptoms such as palpitations or syncope (passing out/ fainting ) When starting a new heart medicine Heart rhythms which may be…

Normal variations in heart rate occur with activities. A normal result is no significant changes in heart rhythms or pattern.

Abnormal results may include various arrhythmias such as those listed above. Some changes may mean that the heart is not getting enough oxygen.

Other than the uncommon skin reaction, there are no risks associated with the test. However, you should be sure not to let the monitor get wet.

Curtis AB, Tomaselli GF. Approach to the patient with cardiac arrhythmias. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine . 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 61. Olgin JE. Approach to the patient with suspected…