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Holter Monitor

Many exams require specific patient preparation prior to the exam in order to insure that the study is performed in the safest and most accurate manner possible. If you are scheduled for one of the following studies, follow the instructions exactly as written. If you have any questions or feel that you cannot comply with the instructions, be sure to call the Department of Radiology at (716) 278-4341.

Before the Test:
Bring list of medications to your appointment.
Bring prescriptions from your doctor’s office.

During the Test:
The monitor test is a harmless tape recording device about the size of a pocket radio. It is worn on a belt around the waist or on your shoulder for the whole length of the test. The monitor will continuously record your heart’s activity on magnetic tape which can then be read and interpreted by the physician. Your cooperation is needed to make this a successful report of your heart’s activity.

It is vital that you follow a typical daily routine and do NOT intentionally avoid stressful situations. This will help us provide your doctor with an accurate picture of your heart’s response to daily activities.

Upon arrival, you will be set up with the monitor and instructed to return the next day at approximately the same time to have the monitor removed. Please wear clothing that buttons down the front, preferably two-piece.

This test will be completed in 2 days to complete the 24 hour test or three days for a 48 hour test. If it is a 48 hour monitor test then you will need to return after 24 hours for a battery change. You will wear the monitor another 24 hours before returning to have the monitor removed.

Avoid wetting the electrodes on your chest, the cable or the recorder. You may carefully take a sponge bath but NO showers.
Do NOT use an electric blanket or a waterbed heater. They give off signals that cause interference with the recorder.

A diary is kept of daily activities and symptoms for the period that the monitor is worn.

The information found on this site is general in nature and some of it may not apply to your specific situation. The information is also subject to change as medical knowledge advances and new methods of treatment are developed.

We encourage you to discuss your condition and treatment with your physician. Do not hesitate to contact your physician if you have any questions.

These instructions do not take the place of directions given to you by your MD.