Ambulatory Cardiac Monitors
Ambulatory cardiac monitors are small, portable ECG devices that record the heart’s
rhythm. Each type of monitor provides different features related to length of recording time
and may even transmit the recording electronically to a monitoring center.
Your doctor uses cardiac monitors to:
• Access heart rhythm over a specific period of time.
• Compare symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm.
• Help with treatment options for abnormal heart rhythms.
To prepare:
• Do not use creams and lotions where the monitor is applied. They may affect the
contact between the electrodes and the skin.
• Wear clothing that can be easily removed. The electrodes will be placed on the chest
area.
Holter Monitor (Ambulatory ECG)
A Holter monitor is a portable ECG device that can record for 24-48 hours. You may wear
the device during your daily routine, including sleeping, but not during showering.
• Adhesive stickers (electrodes) are placed on the chest area. Wires are attached from the
electrodes to a box about the size of a small cellular phone and can be worn around the
neck, waist, or in a pocket. The monitor continuously records, and the recordings are
saved in the monitor.
• While wearing the monitor, you will be asked to keep a diary of any symptoms you may
have while wearing the device. This can include feelings of shortness of breath, heart
racing, chest pain, dizziness, or fainting. It is also important to note the activity you were
doing when the symptoms occurred. This can help you and your doctor find out what
events may be causing your symptoms.
• When the test is complete, you will return the device to your facility either in person
or by mail. A technician uploads the recordings from your monitor and looks for any
rhythms that may be abnormal. The technician then creates a report to send to your
doctor.
• You should arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.