24 Hour ECG Monitoring (Holter)
What is 24 hour ECG Monitoring?
A 24 hour ECG Monitor continuously records the electrical activity of your heart as you go about your normal daily routine. It’s used to detect and assess abnormal rhythms of your heart and their relationship to any symptoms you may be experiencing.
How does it work?
A Cardiac Technician will place three electrodes on your chest that are then attached to a small monitor. You will be required to wear the monitor overnight and return it the following day. A diary will be provided for you to note down important activities (eg exercise, housework, gardening etc) and any symptoms (eg chest pain, palpitations, etc) that you may experience can be entered into the device.
How do I prepare for the test?
As you will be wearing the monitor for 24 continual hours, you will need to shower or bathe before the fitting. For ladies, it’s best to wear a two-piece outfit or dress with buttons up the front. For gentlemen, the recorder can be worn on a waist belt and covered with a suit coat. You will need to return the monitor to the site that initially fitted the monitor the next day at a specified time. It is very important to return the monitor by the time requested, as another patient will be scheduled to use it.
How long does the test take?
A 24 hour ECG Monitor takes approximately 30 minutes to fit and explain.