Holter Monitor (24hr Hour Heart Rhythm Monitor)

A Holter Monitor is a portable heart rhythm recording device that continuously records your heart’s electrical activity (ECG) over 24 hours. It allows your doctor to assess your heart rhythm during normal daily activities and sleep.

Your doctor may request a Holter Monitor to:

• Investigate palpitations, skipped beats, or racing heart
• Assess dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting
• Detect irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Monitor known heart rhythm conditions
• Check heart rhythm after starting or changing medication
• Assess symptoms that do not occur during a standard ECG

The monitor records your heart rate and rhythm over an extended period, including abnormal heartbeats (fast, slow, or irregular rhythms) and changes during sleep, exercise, or stress. This helps link your physical symptoms with heart rhythm changes.

Yes. A Holter Monitor is very safe. It only records electrical activity—it does not deliver electricity. There is no radiation, and it can be worn safely during sleep and daily activities.

Preparation is simple:

• Shower before your appointment (you cannot shower while wearing it)
• Avoid applying lotions, oils, or powders to your chest
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Men with significant chest hair may require small areas to be shaved for electrode contact
• You may eat, drink, and take medications as normal unless advised otherwise

Three electrodes are placed on your chest and attached to a small recording device. You will be given instructions and a symptom diary. The fitting usually takes 15–20 minutes.

You should go about your normal daily activities and keep the monitor on at all times. Avoid getting the device wet (no showers, baths, or swimming). You must record symptoms, activities, and times in the provided diary so the recording reflects your usual heart rhythm.

Please record the time, your activity, and how you felt for the following:

• Palpitations or fluttering
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Shortness of breath or chest discomfort
• Fatigue, fainting, or near-fainting
• Any activity that increases your heart rate

No. The Holter Monitor is not painful. Some people may notice mild skin irritation from the electrodes, which usually settles quickly once removed.

Yes. You should sleep as normal. Light to moderate activity is encouraged unless advised otherwise. However, avoid activities that may dislodge electrodes, cause excessive sweating, or get the device wet.

Most Holter Monitors are worn for 24 hours.

Return the monitor to the clinic at the specified time. The data is downloaded and analyzed by a cardiologist. A report is then sent to your referring doctor, who will discuss the results with you. If urgent abnormalities are detected, they are communicated promptly.

In most cases, Medicare provides a rebate if you have a valid referral from a GP or specialist and the test meets Medicare criteria. Out-of-pocket costs will be explained before your appointment.

If an electrode becomes loose, re-attach it using the spare electrode provided. If you are unable to re-attach it, leave it off and note it in your diary. Contact the clinic at 6169 2016 if multiple electrodes come off.

Record your symptoms in the diary. Seek urgent medical attention if symptoms are severe. In an emergency, call 000.

If you need to change your appointment, please contact the clinic as early as possible so the monitor can be allocated to another patient.