What is a Holter Monitor?

• A Holter Monitor is a small portable heart monitor (smaller than a mobile phone), with five stickers or tabs that attach to your chest. You can wear the Holter Monitor under your clothes.
• The monitor will record your heart’s activity for a set time (usually one to three days).
• The Holter Monitor will show the Cardiologist your heart rate and rhythm during a normal day (outside of the hospital).

How to prepare for a Holter Monitor

• Wear two-piece clothing (i.e. separate top and bottom half, not a dress), with a loose fitted shirt.
• Shower before your appointment, because you will not be able to shower when you are wearing the monitor.
• Do not wear moisturiser or other products on your chest, because they will stop the tabs sticking to your skin properly. Your chest may need to be shaved so the tabs get a good reading on your chest.
• The Holter Monitor must be returned the day after your monitoring finishes, please choose an appointment that allows you to return the monitor on time.
• We are located in the Cardiology Outpatients Unit, Building 1, Level 3, Canberra Hospital, Yamba Drive, Garran ACT 2605.

What happens when the monitor is on?

• You will wear the monitor for a set time, including during sleep. We will let you know how long the monitor needs to stay on (one to three days).
• Once the monitor is on, we recommend that you keep to your normal routine, just avoid any water activities and showers. Do not wet the monitor, it is not waterproof.
• If you have any symptoms (e.g. palpitations, shortness of breath, light headedness or dizziness), note down the time, symptom, and activity in the diary that we provide at your appointment.
• When the monitoring time has finished, you can remove the monitor at home.
• Return your monitor to the designated drop off area at the Cardiology Outpatients Unit at Canberra Hospital by 8am in the morning on the agreed date.
• Our Holter monitors are rotated through patients, so returning on time is important.

Important information

• If you have any questions about this test, please phone the Cardiology Outpatient Unit.
• Opening hours: 8:30am – 4:51pm, Monday-Friday. (02) 5124 2371 (excluding public holidays)
• If your call isn’t answered, please leave a message with your contact details, so that we can call you back.
• This test is bulk billed, which means that you will not have to pay anything. Please bring your Medicare card or DVA card with you, if you have one.
• There is a waiting list for this test. If you can no longer keep your appointment, or if you have had it performed somewhere else, please call us as soon as possible.