A Holter monitor is a small device fitted to record your heart beat continuously for a 24-hour period. Between 3 and 5 stickers (electrodes) are placed on your chest, which wires are then attached to. These wires plug into the small Holter recording device, which is no bigger than the palm of your hand. The device sits in a pouch which can be worn around your neck or simply placed in your pocket. Whilst wearing this device, you will NOT be able to have a shower or go swimming (the monitor cannot get wet at all), but otherwise you can carry out your normal daily activities. A diary will be given at the time of fitting for you to record any symptoms whilst wearing the device. This appointment will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes and you will be asked to return the following day to have the device removed (approximately 5 minutes).
When reading the results, the cardiac scientist and cardiologist will be able to correlate any symptoms with your heart rhythm at that point in time. Holter monitors are most frequently requested in the case that you are experiencing palpitations, or an irregular heart beat, in order to diagnose any abnormal heart rhythm.
