Common follow-up tests – Holter monitor

What is it?

A Holter monitor is a machine that continuously records your heart’s rhythms, and is worn for at least 24 hours during normal daily activity. The test helps evaluate the type and amount of irregular heart beats during usual physical activity, exercise and sleep, and is used to diagnose abnormalities in the heart such as heart palpatations and heart arrhythmia.

What you do

The test is performed by sticking small conducting patches on to your chest, which are attached to a small recording monitor – the Holter monitor. You’ll wear the monitor under your clothes for 24-48 hours while you carry out your normal daily activities. Caution should be taken to ensure the monitor doesn’t get wet.