Some heart rhythm problems are unpredictable and may not show up during a brief in-office test. A Holter monitor is a portable device that continuously records your heart’s electrical activity for 24 to 48 hours or longer. By capturing your heart rhythm over an extended period, it provides valuable information that can help diagnose conditions that come and go.
Epic Cardiology supports heart health across the Greater Los Angeles area, with clinics available in Chino, Pomona, San Dimas, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, and Inglewood.
What Is a Holter Monitor?
A Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that tracks your heart’s activity while you go about your daily routine. It consists of:
- Electrodes – small adhesive patches placed on your chest.
- Wires – connecting the electrodes to a portable recorder.
- Recording unit – worn on a belt or shoulder strap.
The monitor works like an extended electrocardiogram (EKG), continuously recording your heart rhythm so providers can review it later.
Why Would My Provider Recommend This Test?
A Holter monitor may be recommended if you have:
- Irregular heartbeats that occur sporadically.
- Dizziness, fainting spells, or unexplained fatigue.
- Palpitations or rapid heartbeats without a clear cause.
- A history of heart conditions requiring ongoing monitoring.
- Results from a standard EKG that were inconclusive.
Benefits of a Holter Monitor
- Extended Monitoring – Captures heart activity over one or more days, increasing the chance of detecting irregularities.
- Accurate Diagnosis – Provides detailed information to help pinpoint the cause of symptoms.
- Non-Invasive – No needles, sedation, or recovery time.
- Tracks Real-Life Activity – Monitors the heart during your normal daily routine.
- Supports Treatment Decisions – Helps providers determine the most effective care plan.
How Should I Prepare?
- Wear loose clothing to allow easy placement of the electrodes.
- Avoid using lotions or oils on your skin before the test.
- Your provider will explain how to keep the device dry and functioning properly during the monitoring period.
What Happens During the Test?
Step 1: Setup
- Electrodes are placed on your chest and connected to the monitor.
- The recording device is secured to your body so it is comfortable to wear.
Step 2: Monitoring Period
- You go about your normal activities while wearing the device.
- You will be asked to keep a diary of symptoms, activities, and times they occur.
Step 3: Device Return and Review
- After the monitoring period, you return the device to the clinic.
- Your provider reviews the recorded data alongside your symptom diary.
Is It Safe?
Yes. The Holter monitor is safe and painless. Some people may experience mild skin irritation from the electrodes, but this is temporary.
When Will I Get My Results?
Once the data is reviewed, your provider will discuss the findings with you and recommend any next steps, such as further testing, medication adjustments, or lifestyle changes.
Get Clarity About Your Heart Health with Epic Cardiology
If you experience occasional symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or fainting, a Holter monitor can help uncover the cause. Continuous monitoring gives your provider the detailed information needed to make an accurate diagnosis and guide the right treatment.
Serving the Greater Los Angeles area, Epic Cardiology has clinics in Chino, Pomona, San Dimas, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, and Inglewood. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and learn more about how this test can help protect your heart health.
Some heart rhythm problems are unpredictable and may not show up during a brief in-office test. A Holter monitor is a portable device that continuously records your heart’s electrical activity for 24 to 48 hours or longer. By capturing your heart rhythm over an extended period, it provides valuable information that can help diagnose conditions that come and go.
Epic Cardiology supports heart health across the Greater Los Angeles area, with clinics available in Chino, Pomona, San Dimas, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, and Inglewood.
What Is a Holter Monitor?
A Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that tracks your heart’s activity while you go about your daily routine. It consists of:
- Electrodes – small adhesive patches placed on your chest.
- Wires – connecting the electrodes to a portable recorder.
- Recording unit – worn on a belt or shoulder strap.
The monitor works like an extended electrocardiogram (EKG), continuously recording your heart rhythm so providers can review it later.
Why Would My Provider Recommend This Test?
A Holter monitor may be recommended if you have:
- Irregular heartbeats that occur sporadically.
- Dizziness, fainting spells, or unexplained fatigue.
- Palpitations or rapid heartbeats without a clear cause.
- A history of heart conditions requiring ongoing monitoring.
- Results from a standard EKG that were inconclusive.
Benefits of a Holter Monitor
- Extended Monitoring – Captures heart activity over one or more days, increasing the chance of detecting irregularities.
- Accurate Diagnosis – Provides detailed information to help pinpoint the cause of symptoms.
- Non-Invasive – No needles, sedation, or recovery time.
- Tracks Real-Life Activity – Monitors the heart during your normal daily routine.
- Supports Treatment Decisions – Helps providers determine the most effective care plan.
How Should I Prepare?
- Wear loose clothing to allow easy placement of the electrodes.
- Avoid using lotions or oils on your skin before the test.
- Your provider will explain how to keep the device dry and functioning properly during the monitoring period.
What Happens During the Test?
Step 1: Setup
- Electrodes are placed on your chest and connected to the monitor.
- The recording device is secured to your body so it is comfortable to wear.
Step 2: Monitoring Period
- You go about your normal activities while wearing the device.
- You will be asked to keep a diary of symptoms, activities, and times they occur.
Step 3: Device Return and Review
- After the monitoring period, you return the device to the clinic.
- Your provider reviews the recorded data alongside your symptom diary.
Is It Safe?
Yes. The Holter monitor is safe and painless. Some people may experience mild skin irritation from the electrodes, but this is temporary.
When Will I Get My Results?
Once the data is reviewed, your provider will discuss the findings with you and recommend any next steps, such as further testing, medication adjustments, or lifestyle changes.
Get Clarity About Your Heart Health with Epic Cardiology
If you experience occasional symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or fainting, a Holter monitor can help uncover the cause. Continuous monitoring gives your provider the detailed information needed to make an accurate diagnosis and guide the right treatment.
Serving the Greater Los Angeles area, Epic Cardiology has clinics in Chino, Pomona, San Dimas, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, and Inglewood. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and learn more about how this test can help protect your heart health.