The Holter monitor, a small, portable recorder, is worn on a strap over your shoulder. It records the heart rhythm for 24 hours straight. It is critical that the patient keep a diary of symptoms. This allows the correlation of recurring symptoms such as dizziness and palpitations with the patient’s heart rhythm.

In patients with atrial fibrillation, holter monitors are used to evaluate the effectiveness of medications and pacemakers. Electrodes are placed on your chest and connected by wires to the Holter monitor.

Before the procedure

• Wear loose fitting clothing. 
• Your chest may be shaved and cleansed to ensure that the electrodes stay in place. 
• Do not use lotions or bath oil on your skin. 
• Do not bathe or take a shower while wearing the monitor. 
• Do not go near high-voltage areas, metal detectors, or large blankets. 
  Do not have contact with an electric blanket.
  

During the procedure

• Resume normal activities
• Keep a diary of your activities and irregular symptoms such as palpitations, rapid heartbeats, periods of dizziness, or faintness. 
• Press the record button on the monitor when you experience a symptom; this helps your doctor correlate your experience with the ECG record.
• Sleep on your back with the recorder along your side.
  

After the procedure

• After the monitor is removed, the cassette is analyzed by a computer, and scanned by a medical technician. 
• The ECG results are forwarded your doctor.
  

Physicians

• Fundador Adajar, MD
• Ross Downey, MD, MS, FHRS
• William Mansfield, MD, MPH, FACC
• Sean Mazer, MD, FHRS
• Mel Peralta, MD
• Jay Tiongson, MD, FHRS
• Chris Wyndham, MD, FACC
• Mark Zolnick, MD, FACC, FSCAI

Locations

• Albuquerque, 502 Elm Street NE (505) 841-1000
• Albuquerque Westside/Rio Rancho, 2240 Grande Blvd. SE
  Suite 102 (505) 841-1000
• Roswell, 2890 Wilshire Blvd. (575) 623-2836
• Santa Fe, 2085 S. Pacheco Street (505) 984-8012

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