Holter Monitoring

Sometimes, your heart may not show a problem during a regular doctor visit. An ambulatory ECG monitor can track your heartbeat for up to two weeks to find issues that come and go. If you’ve felt dizzy or had fluttering in your chest, this simple test can help find the cause.

At Westchester Medical Center, the flagship of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), we use ambulatory ECG monitors to check how well your heart is working. Checking your heart regularly helps catch small problems before they become big ones. Our cardiac testing approach is one of many ways we strive to give you complete heart care close to home.

What to Know About Your Holter Monitoring 

Ambulatory monitoring is easy to use and allows you to go about your daily routine while your heart is being recorded.

How to Prepare 

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. This allows your technician to place electrodes (small, sticky patches) on your chest more easily. 
• Don’t use lotions, oils, or powders on your chest before the test. 
• Your care team will tell you if you need to change how you bathe, take medicine, or stay active.  

What to Expect During Ambulatory Electrocardiography Monitoring 

• A technician will place the adhesive patch monitor or multiple electrodes on your chest depending upon the type of monitor your provider requests.
• If you have hair on your chest, the technician may need to shave the skin in the area where the adhesive patch monitor or electrodes are to be placed.
• You will wear the monitor for up to two weeks. The time frame may vary depending upon what your provider requests.
• You’ll be asked to keep a diary of your activities and symptoms during the monitoring period.
• The device will record your heart’s activity continuously until you return it.
• Some monitors store all of your heart rhythm information so that it can only be examined by your provider after you return the device. These devices are sometimes called extended Holter monitors.
• Other devices may relay information about your heart rhythm to your provider even while you are wearing the device. Theses devices are sometimes called mobile outpatient cardiac telemetry (MCOT).

What to Expect Afterwards 

When your test is done, you will return the monitor by mail in the packaging provided. It may take your provider several days from the time you mail the device back until they can review your ECG rhythm. Your provider will look at your results alongside your symptom diary and talk with you about what they mean.

You may need more tests or treatment, depending on what the monitor shows. Your care team will explain the next steps and answer any questions you have.