Cardiology Services - Electrocardiology

HOLTER MONITORS

What is a holter monitor? 
A holter monitor is a miniature version of an EKG machine. Holter monitors are used to diagnose cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heart beats) over an extended period of time. The monitor stores EKG rhythm strips digitally over a 24 -72 hour period.  At the end of the 24-72 hour period the EKG data is downloaded into a special computer system for processing and review by a physician.

How is it performed? 
The holter monitor will be set up by a health care professional such as a nurse, respiratory therapist or cardiovascular technician. The person setting up your holter monitor will lift your shirt up or ask you to unbutton your shirt. He or she will then place 5 or more EKG patches on your chest. The EKG patches are just stickers about 1 inch in diameter with conductive gel on them to help conduct the electrical activity from your heart to the holter monitor. The monitor is small and can be worn on your waist or in a shoulder strap under your clothes. You will wear the monitor for 24-72 hours depending on how long your physician orders the monitor to be left on. At the end of the prescribed time frame you will return the monitor to the hospital directly.  The data on the monitor will then be processed for review by a physician.

What kind of preparation is required? 
There is no special preparation for this test. You may eat and drink normally. We do suggest that you wear a shirt that buttons up in the front. You will not be able to bathe while you are wearing the monitor so you may want to take that into consideration before you schedule your exam. If you are allergic to adhesive tape you may want to talk to your physician before you have this monitor applied.

Does it hurt? 
The exam itself does not hurt. There may be some discomfort when the EKG patches are taken off, this will be similar to taking off a band aide. 

Is it harmful? 
No, but if you are sensitive to adhesive tape the EKG patches can break your skin out.