Holter Monitor

A Holter monitor tracks your heart’s rhythm for up to 48 hours, helping to identify heart issues not seen on an electrocardiogram (EKG). Reagan Medical Center offers Holter monitor testing at its Lawrenceville, Dacula, Suwanee, and Johns Creek, Georgia, offices. The highly experienced team uses these portable home-use devices to confirm or rule out a heart condition. Call your nearest Reagan Medical Center office today to learn more, or schedule a heart health appointment online.

What is a Holter monitor?

A Holter monitor is a noninvasive diagnostic device you use at home. It’s a portable electrocardiogram (EKG) machine that records electrical activity in your heart, usually over 24-48 hours.

Electrical activity sets your heart’s rhythm and blood’s movement through each heart chamber. An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) may affect the flow of blood through your heart, increasing the risk of serious health complications like a heart attack or stroke.

Why would I need a Holter monitor?

Your provider at Reagan Medical Center explains why you need a Holter monitor at your consultation. They may recommend the test if they think you have an abnormal heartbeat and the results from your initial tests are inconclusive.

Symptoms of heart problems include:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Racing or irregular heartbeat
• Chest tightness, pressure, and discomfort
• Numbness, weakness, and/or coldness in your legs or arms
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Chronic fatigue

Initial investigations into these symptoms include a physical exam, lab tests, and diagnostic procedures such as an EKG and echocardiogram (heart ultrasound). If these fail to determine the cause of your symptoms, you may need to undergo further studies like stress testing and wearing a Holter monitor.

You may also need a Holter monitor if you have arrhythmia and the Reagan Medical Center team wants to monitor your treatment plan’s effectiveness.

There’s nothing special you need to do to prepare for Holter monitor testing. However, the device can’t get wet during the test, so you need to bathe beforehand.

What does wearing a Holter monitor involve?

Holter monitor testing is noninvasive and painless. You start the test at the office, where your provider attaches electrodes to your body. These go from your chest and abdomen to the portable Holter monitor.

You wear the Holter monitor like a bag over your shoulder or on a belt around your waist. Once the Reagan Medical Center team completes the preparations, you can engage in your usual activities unless otherwise directed.

The Holter monitor tracks your heart’s activity while you carry on as usual. Your provider may request you keep a symptom diary during your Holter monitor test. They review the data afterward and then discuss the findings and next steps with you.

Find out more about Holter monitors and other cardiology testing by calling Reagan Medical Center or scheduling an appointment online today.