A Holter monitor is a test requested by your GP or Cardiologist to assess for abnormal or irregular heart rhythms.

These abnormal heart rhythms may be transient (come and go) and may cause symptoms of palpitations, light-headedness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fatigue and reduced exercise capacity.

The Holter Monitor is a portable device worn for usually 24 hours to record your heart rhythm, which increases the likelihood of obtaining diagnostic information that can direct appropriate treatment.  Adhesive ECG recording electrodes are positioned on the front of the chest. One end of the monitor’s wires are clipped to the ECG electrodes and the other end is plugged into the monitor, itself.  The Holter monitor is about the size of a mobile phone and is clipped to a belt or a strap that can be worn around the neck or over the shoulder. During this time, it will not be possible to take a shower or bath as the device is not waterproof.

The monitor is returned to the office the following morning so that the recordings can be transferred to a computer for analysis. Once the recordings have been analysed and verified, a report is forwarded to the doctor requesting the test – usually within 48 hours.