Holter Monitoring (24 Hour ECG)
Explanation of the Test
The test is done to monitor your heart's electrical activity for a 24-hour period while performing normal activities. First, your chest will be cleaned thoroughly with alcohol and rubbed with an abrasive lotion (chest hair will be shaved if necessary). Five small pads (electrodes) will be placed on your chest. Wires will connect these pads to a walkman-sized monitor that will store the electrical activity of the heart for the 24-hour period. You will be asked to maintain a diary of how you are feeling and what type of activities you have been doing while wearing the monitor. The diary will be correlated with monitor recordings. If you feel any irregular symptoms, you can make a marking on the recording by pushing one of the two blue buttons on the monitor. The monitor will be put in a carrying case that you will be instructed to keep it in for the full 24-hour period. You should not shower or swim while wearing the monitor, although a sponge bath is allowed.
Preparation
A two-piece outfit should be worn so that the wire can come out from the patches to the recorder. If a one-piece outfit is worn, it should have buttons (not a zipper) down the front to accommodate the wire.
General Information
- The application of the monitor takes about 30 minutes and 10 minutes to remove it.
- Avoid exposing the monitor to extremely cold weather. Wear the monitor beneath a coat if necessary.
- You should not shower or swim while wearing the monitor. You can perform all other usual activities.
- Any further questions about the test may be answered by your physician.
- Test results will be sent to your doctor within 24 hours from when the test is performed.
