A cardiac Holter monitor is a convenient and compact ECG that you wear around your waist for an agreed time period, usually 24 to 72 hours, that monitors your heart continuously whilst you carry on with your usual daily routines.
A Holter monitor is sometimes referred to as ambulatory electrocardiography or ambulatory ECG as it is performed out of the hospital. It is also known as a 24-hour ECG.
The device continuously records the electrical activity of your heart over time and during changing physical and emotional situations. Your doctor may ask you to keep notes or a diary of the times when you have symptoms.
Information from a Holter monitor is used to help diagnose abnormal heart rhythms and cardiac symptoms, such as palpitations, that come and go during the day and may not be picked up during a short ECG test.
A Holter monitor allows your doctor to correlate any symptoms you have such as chest pain or palpitations, with your heart’s electrical activity at that point in time.
It can detect the type of abnormal heart rhythm you have (slow, fast or irregular), called arrhythmias, how long they last and what might trigger them.
Holter monitors can also be used to determine the effectiveness of anti-arrhythmic medications you may be taking. Also, if you have a pacemaker and experience dizziness, your doctor may use a Holter monitor to find out if your pacemaker is working properly.
It is important that you do not get a Holter monitor wet as this will damage it. You will be told not to bathe, shower or swim while wearing your monitor. It may be possible for you to disconnect and reconnect the monitor to allow you to bathe or shower. Your doctor will advise.
You should also stay away from high-voltage areas, metal detectors or large magnets while wearing a Holter monitor as they can interrupt the signal from the electrodes to your monitor.
It takes between one to two weeks to get the results from a Holter monitor test. After the testing period, you will return your monitor and hand in any diary notes regarding symptoms you have experienced whilst wearing it.
Your doctor will evaluate the monitor’s readings and your notes to make a diagnosis.
The cost of a Holter monitor will depend on the length of time requested by your doctor to monitor the electrical activity of your heart and your Ramsay hospital of choice.
You will receive a formal quotation price for your Holter monitor following your consultation with one of our expert cardiologists. This formal quote for a Holter monitor will be valid for 60 days.
Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. A Holter monitor is covered by most medical insurance policies as long as it is deemed medically necessary by your doctor. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before your Holter monitor test.
We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your Holter monitor test yourself. We offer interest-free finance so you pay 0% interest, no deposit and benefit from affordable monthly instalments.
Holter monitor is a small portable device that continuously records your heart’s electrical activity over a period of time whilst you go about your normal daily activities at home.
Ramsay Health Care UK is pleased to offer the latest Holter monitor technology for its patients. Holter monitors are available for as long as needed to diagnose heart problems.
Our experienced cardiologists work together with you to determine the cause of your symptoms or to ensure you have the right medication if you have an irregular heart rhythm.
If an arrhythmia is detected, we can swiftly offer the best medication for your needs.
Ramsay hospitals follow strict protocols with regards to infection control to keep our patients and staff as safe as possible.
Dr Rebecca Schofield
Dr Rebecca Schofield is a Consultant Cardiologist Surgeon in Peterborough
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