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What is Holter Monitoring?

A Holter monitoring study, also known as 24-hour ambulatory ECG, is a painless, portable diagnostic test that measures your heart’s activity for 24 to 48 hours while you perform your daily normal routine.

Indications for a Holter Monitor

Indications for a Holter monitoring include

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • To test the function of a pacemaker
  • Unstable angina
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  • Cardiac arrhythmia
  • Other heart conditions
  • Bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate)

Preparation for Holter Monitoring

Preparation for Holter monitoring includes:

  • Your doctor will instruct you regarding the procedure.
  • Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any adhesives.
  • Consume food and water as usual.
  • Avoid applying any cream or body lotion.
  • Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes.
  • Excess hair on your chest will be removed so that the electrodes can stick firmly to your chest.
  • Take a bath or shower before coming for the procedure to remove body oils.
  • Avoid strong magnets, microwaves, electric blankets, electric toothbrushes, electric razors, and metal detectors while wearing the monitor.

Procedure for Holter Monitor

The ambulatory ECG is a non-invasive procedure that involves the following steps:

  • Your doctor will instruct you to lie on a table on your back.
  • Small electrodes on flexible leads will be attached to sticky pads on your chest and abdomen.
  • These leads are plugged into the monitor.
  • Your doctor will instruct you to keep the Holter monitor near your body throughout the testing period, usually worn near your waist.
  • The electrodes will record any changes in the electrical activity of your heart.
  • Your doctor will instruct you to follow your usual routine during the 24-hour test, however, you should avoid bathing or swimming; instead, you may use wet wipes or washcloths to clean your body.
  • You will need to keep a diary and record your activities with the date and time.
  • Also, record any symptoms that you may experience like chest pain or shortness of breath during the testing period.
  • Your doctor will compare your notes to the activity recorded on the ECG.

After the Procedure

Your doctor will instruct you to resume your normal diet and regular activities.

Other Cardiology Procedures

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