Non-Invasive Cardiac Diagnostic Services
A Holter monitor is a small non-invasive portable device that records the electrical activity of your heart over a 24 – 48 hour period. Your heart’s rhythm will be recorded on the Holter monitor in an attempt to identify signs and symptoms of possible cardiac arrhythmias.
Your physician may order Holter monitor testing for a variety of reasons, most commonly to evaluate medication changes, heart palpitations or irregular heart rhythms, and symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, or shortness of breath which may be experienced on a daily basis.
A patient educator will fit you with a Holter monitor. There will be seven (7) electrodes placed on your chest and wires will attach the electrodes to the Holter monitor which will be carried in a pouch on your belt or on a strap. The Holter monitor will be inconspicuous to others.
Bathing, showering, and swimming are prohibited while wearing the Holter monitor, otherwise, you should not be inconvenienced by the heart monitor. Also, you should record your cardiac symptoms in the diary provided including the time of, and any activities associated with, your symptoms.
The Holter monitor records every heartbeat over the 24 – 48 hour period that the monitor is worn (approximately 100,000 – 120,000 heart beats). Your report will be interpreted by a local Cardiologist or Internist.
A physician’s referral is required to use a Holter monitor. The cost of the Holter monitor is covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan).
Please call or email the NovaMed office if you have any questions or require further explanation of holter monitor heart testing.