This test records the heart beat for 24 hours and involves attaching small sticky pads (electrodes) to your bare chest. These pads are connected via wires to a recording device, usually worn around the waist or over the shoulder. We will give you a diary to record any symptoms.

Standard electrocardiograms (ECGs ) allow us look at your heart’s activity at one point in time during your ECG test. 

However, abnormal heart rhythms and cardiac symptoms may come and go. Wearing a holter monitor allows us to evaluate your heartbeat over time while you go about your normal activities. You may be asked to wear a Holter monitor if you have fast, slow or irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias.

- Identify abnormal beats and heart rhythms.
- Evaluate your symptoms to see if it is related to your heart.
- Monitor pacemaker or defibrillator activity.
- Assess if your medications are controlling your symptoms or a known abnormal rhythm.

Avoid high-voltage areas
Avoid magnets
Avoid metal detectors
Electric blanket or magnetic underlays should not be used

These all produce magnetic fields that can interfere with the tests, and give false results.

It is not possible to have a bath or shower or to swim during the test. Water will damage the equipment and interfere with the test.

The monitor must not be taken out of its box under any circumstances.

It is important to return the monitor on time the following day as the data must be downloaded and the monitor prepared for the next patient.