Holter Monitoring

Your healthcare provider may recommend a Holter monitor test to detect possible heart-related problems if you are experiencing symptoms such as: 

• Irregular heart beats 
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Shortness of breath

An appointment is required to complete this test as it requires specialized staff and/or specific medical equipment. To book your appointment, please visit our location finder and select specialty test name in the Specialty Test dropdown filter when entering your search criteria.

A Holter monitor is set up at a LifeLabs Patient Service Centre. When you arrive for your appointment, the lab assistant will ask you a few health-related questions (height, weight, medications, symptoms, reason for the testing, if you have had this test performed before and whether you have a pacemaker) and ask you to remove your shirt so disposable sensors can be attached to your chest. A lab assistant will then:

• Rub alcohol in the area of your chest where the sensors are to be attached.
• If necessary, shave any chest hair in the area a sensor will need to be attached
• Attach the sensors and then hook cables to the monitor and the sensors. Some patients may experience slight irritation or marking where the sensors are attached.
• Provide you with any specific instructions to ensure accurate testing.

The monitor is a little larger than a cell phone and will allow you to continue with your normal daily activity. Unless instructed otherwise, you must wear the monitor from the time it is connected until it is removed by LifeLabs. While you are wearing the monitor, it cannot get wet.

After the testing period, you will return to LifeLabs and have the monitor removed. The recordings will then be transmitted to a physician for reading with the findings forwarded to your healthcare provider.

There are three main components of Holter monitor testing:

• Placement of sensors: 30 minutes

• Wearing of monitor: minimum 24-hours or as directed by your physician

• Removal of sensors: 15 minutes

You must wear the monitor from the time it is connected until it is removed by LifeLabs.

Very little preparation is needed to prepare for a Holter monitor. On the day of the test we ask that you:

• Shower or bathe just prior to your appointment.
• Do not apply lotions or talcum to your skin.
• Wear a comfortable 2-piece outfit.
  • If you wear a bra, choose a comfortable one as you will be asked to keep it on for the duration of the test.
  • For patients with chest hair, please note that it will be necessary to shave the areas where the sensors will be attached.
• Bring a list of all your current prescribed medication.
• If you have a pacemaker, bring a copy of your current settings or Pacemaker card.
• Bring a time piece (watch or mobile phone) to your appointment.

Interpretation of Holter monitor readings is done by a physician and the report will be forwarded to your healthcare provider within 3-5 working days. It’s important for you to discuss your results directly with your healthcare provider as they will recommend whether additional testing or care is required.