What is Holter monitoring?
A Holter monitor is a small wearable device that tracks and records the electrical rhythms of your heart as you move around doing the normal things you do in daily life, usually over 24 or 48 hours.
It provides information about how the changes in your heart rhythm correspond with your daily activities and sleep patterns and it is used to investigate a range of symptoms such as dizziness or palpitations.
Having a monitor fitted is straightforward. Follow our step-by-step guide to know what to expect.
A guide to Holter monitoring
Step 1/8 - When you see your doctor
If your doctor thinks it would be helpful for you to have your heart rhythm monitored over an extended period, they will give you a request form to bring to us. This is a good time to tell the doctor about any symptoms you are experiencing and ask any questions you may have.
A guide to Holter monitoring
Step 2/8 - Booking an appointment
Next, you’ll need to book an appointment at one of our collection centres to have a monitor fitted. Holter monitoring is offered at more than 100 SNP collection centres across Queensland, Northern NSW and the Northern Territory.Appointments can be booked directly with each centre. Find your closest collection centre that performs holter monitoring.
A guide to Holter monitoring
Step 3/8 - Preparing
There are a few important steps you must take before coming to your appointment.A guide to Holter monitoring
Step 4/8 - Having your monitor fitted
You will be fitted with a small, lightweight, portable monitor by one of our trained pathology collectors.
A guide to Holter monitoring
Step 5/8 - Wearing the monitor and what to expect
While you wear a Holter monitor, you can carry out your usual daily activities as long as your monitor will not get wet.Your monitor will continuously record the electrical activity of your heart for 24 to 48 hours as requested by your doctor.
A guide to Holter monitoring
Step 6/8 - Having it removed
When you return after 24 or 48 hours, we will remove your monitor.
A guide to Holter monitoring
Step 7/8 - How the results are reported
Your monitor will gather a wealth of data about the electrical activity of your heart.
A guide to Holter monitoring
Step 8/8 - Seeing your doctor about your results
You need to make a follow-up appointment with your doctor to go through your results.
Allow about 4-5 working days after having your monitor removed before seeing your doctor to ensure they have received your results.
Your doctor will contact you if any urgent follow up is required.