Holter Monitor

When you have unusual heart palpitations or episodes of fainting, a Holter monitor can be a useful tool for diagnosing the cause of your symptoms. At Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute, with offices in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Plant City, Wesley Chapel and Riverview, Florida, the experienced cardiology team provides Holter monitoring services as part of its diagnostic evaluations for arrhythmias and other heart issues. They use the recorded information to determine if additional testing is required or if you need treatment for cardiac conditions. Call the Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute office nearest you to schedule a Holter monitor consultation or book an appointment online today.

What is a Holter monitor?

A Holter monitor is a small, wearable recording device that logs information about the electrical activity of your heart.

The monitor is a noninvasive diagnostic method that can identify arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) as they occur over a period of 24-72 hours.

Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute provides Holter monitor testing as part of its diagnostic testing services. The practice’s experienced cardiologists may recommend the use of a Holter monitor for individuals with unusual symptoms that may relate to a cardiac condition.

Why would I need a Holter monitor?

The Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute providers may recommend that you wear a Holter monitor if you have symptoms such as:

• Syncope (fainting)
• Rapid heartbeat
• Slow heart rhythm
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain

The team may initially order an electrocardiogram (EKG) to evaluate your heart’s electrical activity. They may recommend a Holter monitor if an EKG doesn’t provide enough diagnostic information about your heart function or if your heart rhythm irregularities are infrequent.

What can I expect when wearing a Holter monitor?

During an in-office visit, the Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute team places electrode patches on your chest that stick to your skin. The electrodes record information about your heartbeat. Wires connect each electrode to a recording device that attaches to a belt you wear around your waist.

You can expect to wear a Holter monitor for 1-2 days so the device can record all of your heartbeats. Because water can damage the monitor, you won’t be able to bathe or swim while you’re wearing it.

While the Holter monitor is in use, you should go about your usual activities. The team may also ask you to write down symptoms like heart palpitations or lightheadedness that you experience during certain activities. You’ll need to keep your cell phone, magnets, and other electronic devices away from the monitor to prevent recording interruptions.

After your monitoring period ends, you return to the office, and the team removes it. They compare the recorded information with the list of symptoms you have to determine what’s causing your irregular heartbeat.

Call the Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute office nearest you to learn more about the benefits of a Holter monitor, or book an appointment online today.