What should I expect with the Holter monitor?

What should I expect with the Holter monitor?

A specially trained technician will attach the Holter monitor and instruct you how to record your symptoms while wearing it. You can carry the monitor in a pocket or pouch, slung across your shoulders and neck like a purse or camera, or attach it to your waist. The technician will show you how to record your activities and symptoms during the test.

If you feel symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats or dizziness, keep note of the time of day they began and what you were doing. These records will be compared to the changes in your ECG recorded by the Holter monitor.

Be sure to remove the Holter monitor while bathing, showering or swimming. Don’t have X-rays while wearing the monitor. Stay away from high-voltage areas, metal detectors or large magnets.

After the test period, return the monitor to the technician. The record of your heart activity will be processed and a report prepared for your doctor. This will include the notes you recorded. You should get the results of the test in one or two weeks.