Holter Monitoring (24-48 Hours)
Recording your heart’s daily rhythm
A Holter monitor is a small portable device you wear that continuously records your heart rhythm during your normal daily activities. Monitoring commonly takes place over 24 to 48 hours, helping your cardiologist identify rhythm changes that may not show during a standard ECG.
Why do I need Holter Monitoring?
Your GP may recommend Holter monitoring if your symptoms come and go or a longer recording of your heart rhythm is needed. It helps investigate:
- Palpitations
- An irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting episodes
- Suspected arrhythmias
- Your response to treatment
What to expect with Holter Monitoring
Small adhesive electrodes are placed on your chest and connected to a lightweight portable recorder. The device records each heartbeat as you continue with most of your usual daily activities.
You may be asked to keep a diary noting symptoms, activities and times so your cardiologist to compare any symptoms with changes in your heart rhythm.
After the monitoring period, you return the device to the clinic with your notes for the specialist to analyse. A report will be created from this and provided to your referring doctor to support your ongoing care.
What does a Holter Monitor do?
Holter monitoring helps your cardiologist identify:
• Atrial fibrillation
• Extra heartbeats, also called ectopic beats
• Supraventricular tachycardia
• Bradycardia or a slow heart rhythm
• Pauses in the heart rhythm
• Ventricular arrhythmias
Holter Monitoring with Aydin Cardiology
Contact our Dandenong clinic to arrange Holter monitoring or another specialist cardiac test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Holter monitoring takes place from 24 to 48 hours. Your referring doctor or our clinic will advise how long the device needs to be worn based on the reason for your test.
You can continue with most normal daily activities. Keeping to your usual routine can help record rhythm changes associated with exercise, rest or everyday tasks. Our team will explain if there are any activities you need to avoid.
The monitor and electrodes need to remain dry. You will generally be asked not to shower, swim or bathe while wearing the device. Our team will provide instructions when it is fitted.
Record the time, symptoms and what you were doing in the diary provided. This helps your cardiologist compare your symptoms with the heart rhythm recorded at that time. If your symptoms are severe, please seek urgent or emergency care.
Yes. Holter monitoring is bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card and referral, so there are no out-of-pocket costs for the test.
Information for referring doctors
Aydin Cardiology welcomes referrals for Holter monitoring and specialist cardiac assessment, providing:
- Specialist-reported results with clinical context
- Timely delivery of reports and findings
- Access to further investigation, including ECG, echocardiography, stress echocardiography and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring if required
Aydin Cardiology works closely with local practitioners to support their patient’s health. You will receive regular updates for your patient’s ongoing care.
