What is a Holter monitor?

A Holter Monitor is a small, wearable device that continuously records your heart’s rhythm. It is worn for at least 24 hours during normal daily activity. The test helps evaluate the type and amount of irregular heart beats during usual daily activity, exercise and sleep. The Holter Monitor assists in diagnosing abnormalities in the heart (eg. heart palpitations and heart arrhythmia.)

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I shower with the Holter monitor?

No, unfortunately you can’t get the monitor wet while you have it on so it is best if you have a shower prior to your appointment and then you can have another shower once you’ve had it removed.

2. Why is my doctor sending me for a Holter monitor?

If you have been experiencing some symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, palpitations or even some chest discomfort this is a useful test to help see how your hearts electrical activity is and whether it could be the reason for your symptoms.

3. How will I tell the doctor at which times I experienced symptoms?

We will provide a symptom diary that you can write the timing of your symptoms whilst you had the monitor on so that the doctor can specifically go to those time periods and see exactly what’s going on with your heart. You will also be advised to click a button on the monitor at the time of your symptoms.

4. What does the monitor look like?

It is a very small portable and WIRELESS device which sits on the upper left side of your chest. It is completely discrete and as long as you are not wearing a low-cut shirt, no one will be able to tell you are wearing a device.

5. Can I do ALL my usual daily activities?

Yes, you can except showering or getting it wet. We do advise that you don’t participate in any heavy gym workouts which may cause the electrodes to come off due to sweat but we can discuss this further with you on the day of your appointment. We also advise that you avoid any electrical devices such as TENS machines, electrical blankets, or any electrical massage machines as this can interfere with the recording and create artefact. If you have any questions regarding this, please speak to our lovely staff and they assist.

6. What happens if I don’t feel any symptoms whilst wearing the monitor?

Once your referring doctor receives your report, you can discuss whether you had any symptoms. There are some other monitoring devices that you could wear longer than the 24-hour monitor but that is at the discretion of your doctor.

7. What is the preparation like?

We clean your skin down and suggest you avoid using any heavy body moisturisers or oils to help with the electrodes sticking on. Once your skin is clean, we stick 2 electrodes onto your skin and connect the monitor and make sure we have a good ECG trace before you head out. 

8. What happens once I return the monitor?

You will need to return 24 hours after you have had your monitor fitted, we simply take it off and upload it to our computer for analysis. Our technician’s make sure we have good traces and the cardiologist does the formal report which will be sent out to your referring doctor.

9. Can I have a scan while wearing the Holter monitor?

You cannot have a CT, MRI or echocardiogram while wearing this device as it will create artefacts that will affect the results and damage the device.

10. Can I travel?

You can travel by car within Australia however you must not travel overseas or go through an airport while wearing this device. This is due to airport security as well as Medicare eligibility for your rebate.

11. Can I take it off?:

The device will not record your heart rhythm once it is off your body. If for some reason you end up heading to hospital it is best to remove the device and keep it in a safe place to avoid it going missing if you are admitted to hospital.

To book an appointment please call (02) 9460 8722