Holter Monitoring

Definition
Holter monitoring is a continuous recording of your ECG, usually for 24 hours, while you go about your usual daily activities. It is especially useful in diagnosing abnormal heart rhythms. The Holter monitor itself is a small, portable cassette recorder, worn on a strap over the shoulder. Several electrodes (small sticky patches) are placed on your chest and connected by wires to the recorder.

Purpose
To detect abnormal heart rhythms that may now occur
during a standard ECG test.
To assess recurring symptoms such as dizziness, fainting,
and palpitations.
To evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, such as
medications and pacemakers, that help control abnormal
heart rhythms.

Before The Test
Wear a loose fitting blouse or shirt, with the buttons in the
front.
Do not use lotions or bath oil on your skin. This will
prevent the electrodes from sticking on your skin for 24
hours.
There are no dietary restrictions.
Ask your physician if you are to take your medication as
ordered.

During The Test
Several areas on your chest will be cleansed with alcohol
and an abrasive pad, to ensure good electrode contact.
Men may need to have areas of their chest shaved.
Please inform the medical assistant or nurse if you are
allergic to cloth or paper tape. This will be used to help
secure the electrodes on your skin.
The electrodes are connected by wires to the recorder.
The nurse or medical assistant will check the system to
make sure it is working properly.
You can do anything you would normally do, except take
a bath or shower while the monitor is on. Do not get the
electrodes, wires, or recorder wet.
The nurse will show you a button on the recorder to press
if you have a symptom that you want the physician to
especially note. When you press this button, it marks the
tracing for the doctor. This will help the doctor correlate
your symptoms with your ECG tracing.
Try to sleep on your back, with the recorder positioned
at your side so that the electrodes are not pulled off.
You will keep a diary (or log) in which you enter your
activities, any symptoms you experience, and the time at
which the symptoms occurred. The diary is very
important, because it enables the doctor to correlate your
activities and symptoms with the ECG tracing.
DON'T FORGET TO BRING THE DIARY BACK WHEN YOU RETURN THE RECORDER!

After The Test
Once you return the monitor, the cassette is analyzed by
a computer, and scanned by a technician. The report is
printed for the CCND doctor to review.
The information gained will help your CCND doctor make
an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for
you. A full report will be sent to your referring physician.

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