Holter Monitor Testing

Professional heart rhythm monitoring in Hamilton & Oakville with quick results and expert analysis.

  • Quick Appointments

    Often available within days at our Hamilton & Oakville locations

  • Expert Analysis

    Results interpreted by experienced cardiologists

  • Flexible Duration

    24-hour to 14-day monitoring options

About the Test

  • A Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that continuously records your heart's electrical activity (ECG) for 24 hours to 14 days. This portable heart monitor helps diagnose various cardiac conditions that may not be detected during a regular ECG.

    • Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)

    • Heart rhythm abnormalities

    • Atrial fibrillation

    • Heart block issues

    • Medication effectiveness

    • Pacemaker function

    • Heart rate variations during daily activities

  • Your doctor may recommend a Holter monitor if you experience:

    • Unexplained chest pain

    • Heart palpitations

    • Dizziness or fainting spells

    • Shortness of breath

    • Unexplained fatigue

    • Post-cardiac procedure monitoring

    • Medication monitoring

    1. Initial Setup (30 minutes)

      • Small electrodes placed on your chest

      • Connected to a portable recording device

      • Personalized placement for comfort

      • Gender-specific options available

    2. Monitoring Period

      • 24-hour standard monitoring

      • Extended options (48 hours to 14 days)

      • Wireless options available

      • Daily activity tracking

    3. Result Analysis

      • Expert interpretation by cardiologists

      • Detailed report generation

      • Treatment recommendations

Patient Instructions

Before Your Test

  • Wear loose-fitting, two-piece clothing

  • Avoid applying lotions or oils to your chest

  • Bring a list of current medications

  • Arrive 15 minutes early

  • No special dietary restrictions

Activity Diary Instructions

Record in your provided diary:

  • Time and type of activities

  • Any symptoms experienced

  • Medications taken

  • Sleep and wake times

  • Stressful moments

  • Physical activities

During the Monitoring Period

Do's:

  • Maintain normal daily activities

  • Keep a detailed symptom diary

  • Sleep as usual

  • Take regular medications

  • Keep monitor dry

  • Record any symptoms or unusual feelings

Don'ts:

  • Shower or bathe (sponge baths only)

  • Use electric blankets

  • Undergo MRI procedures

  • Place cell phones directly over the monitor

  • Remove or adjust electrode placement.

For Physicians

Referral Process

Online Referral Portal

  • Secure electronic referral system

  • Quick form completion

  • Instant confirmation

  • Priority flagging options

Traditional Referral Methods

  • Fax referral accepted

  • Phone referral for urgent cases

  • EMR integration available

Clinical Indications

Primary Indications:

  • Syncope/presyncope evaluation

  • Palpitation assessment

  • Arrhythmia detection

  • Medication titration monitoring

  • Post-procedure monitoring

Secondary Indications:

  • Risk stratification

  • Unexplained fatigue

  • Cryptogenic stroke workup

  • Monitoring of antiarrhythmic therapy

Results Reporting

  • For routine cases, 24-48 hour turnaround after results have been received

  • Detailed PDF reports

  • Direct physician-to-physician consultation (upon request)

  • Regular updates for extended monitoring

Quality Assurance

  • Latest monitoring technology

  • Certified cardiac technologists

  • Expert cardiologist interpretation

  • Regular quality audits

  • Compliance with latest guidelines

Ready to Book Your Test?

Quick appointments available at our Hamilton and Oakville locations