HOLTER MONITOR

What is a HOLTER MONITOR?

A Holter monitor is a small, portable, battery-powered device that measures your heart’s electrical activity over a continuous period, while you go about your normal daily activities. This is typically for 24 to 48 hours but can be longer.
The Peninsula Heart Centre uses the myPatch-SL Holter monitor, which has a slim patch and single lead and can record for up to 14 days.

Why do I need to have a HOLTER MONITOR?

Your doctor may request this test if you have a slow, fast or irregular heartbeat or if you have experienced symptoms of dizziness, blackouts or palpitations. Or, your doctor may want to see how well your medicines are working to treat these problems.

The small portable recording device is placed on a disposable electrode and is applied to your chest (over the area of your sternum). There is only one lead wire going to an electrode attached to the skin between your 4th and 5th ribs. The device records your heart’s activity while you perform your normal daily activities.

You will be asked to write down any heart symptoms you experience in the monitoring period and to record their occasion by tapping the event recorder on myPatch, the cardiac technologist will demonstrate this when fitting you with the device.

When complete, the device is removed and linked to a computer, which downloads the information and prepares a report of your heart’s activities (ECG recordings) for the monitoring period.

Can I eat or drink before my test?
There is no special preparation required. The slim, waterproof design of myPatch allows you to continue with an active lifestyle without bulky equipment and uncomfortable wires. Many patients don’t even realise they are wearing a Holter recorder.

Do I take my medications on the day of the test?
Yes, take your medications before and during the monitoring period.

Where do I go to have the test?
The monitor can be fitted by Peninsula Heart Centre at the following sites:

Frankston Suite 11, Peninsula Private Hospital, 525 McClelland Drive, VIC
Mornington Suite 7, Beleura Private Hospital, 925 Nepean Highway, VIC
Rosebud Suite 8, Peninsula Medical Suites, 1533 Pt Nepean Road, VIC
Albury 1142 Pemberton Street, Albury NSW 2640

Fittings will be available at other sites, in the future.

At the end of the monitoring period, you will remove the device and discard the adhesive patch. Return the monitor and single lead to the clinic.

What do I need to bring?
Please bring your Medicare Card and personal information for our medical records (pension/HCC/health insurance/DVA emergency contact details) and the referral letter from your doctor (if not already sent).

What do I wear?
Wear a loose-fitting top.

How much will it cost?
All 24-hour Holter monitor tests at the Peninsula Heart Centre are bulk billed. Holter monitor tests longer than one day will incur a small charge.

What happens during the test?
The cardiac technician will fit the myPatch Holter monitor and show you how to record symptoms or events. Males may need to have their chest hair clipped prior to applying the patch.

It is important to keep the monitor attached to your body during the testing period. You will be shown at the fitting how to reattach the electrode or wire if it becomes loose or falls off.

You will go home with the myPatch Holter monitor attached and continue with your normal activities.

How long does the test take?
Allow 30 minutes for your appointment to get fitted with the monitor.

You will be asked to remove the patch and electrode yourself on the final monitoring day and return the monitor to Peninsula Heart Centre for evaluation. Allow 5-10 minutes when you return to the clinic.

What are the risks?
There are no risks associated with wearing a myPatch-IL Holter monitor, and wearing one isn’t painful.

When you are being fitted with the device, please advise the technologist if you are allergic to any tapes or adhesives.

The adhesive patches are hypoallergenic, however if you have skin sensitivities you may be instructed to take an antihistamine during the monitoring to reduce any skin response.

When will my results be available?
The computer recordings will be analysed in 1 or 2 business days and a report sent to your referring doctor, with a copy placed in your medical history. Your referring doctor will discuss your results at your next appointment.