KAWARTHA CARDIOLOGY CLINIC

 

 

PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOLTER MONITORING

 

 

You will be wearing a specialized recording device that will produce an electrocardiogram (ECG) for your doctor to review.  The machine does not do anything to you but simply records all your heartbeats.

THERE IS NO ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD FROM THIS MACHINE!

It will involve attaching electrodes and cables to your chest.  The recorder will then be connected and worn around your waist. 

 

INSTRUCTIONS

 

There are certain activities or exposures that should be avoided while wearing the device.  These precautions are taken to prevent damage to the recorder and to ensure a high quality recording.

 

1.       DO NOT take a shower or bath.

2.       DO NOT use an electric blanket or heating pad.

 

You will be given a patient diary at the time of your appointment.  This diary is a very important part of the test.  Please record your symptoms, or any sensations that you have, carefully.  There is an event recorder button on the machine that should be pressed whenever you have symptoms or unusual feelings.  In particular, you should note the following:

 

§         chest pain or heaviness (angina)

§         shortness of breath

§         palpitations (unusual awareness of heartbeats)

§         fainting or near-fainting

§         dizziness

§         unusual fatigue

§         any other complaint that your doctor is investigating with this test

 

If you use the event recorder, be sure to write down the symptom that you experienced at that time in your diary.  Also record in the diary the medications that you are taking. 

 

SPECIAL NOTE

 

You will be asked to do a little exercise before going to sleep.  Lie for 10 minutes on your left side, 10 minutes on your right side, 10 minutes on your back and then 10 minutes in your usual sleeping position.  Write down the times and push the event button at the start of each position.

 

 

 

RECORDERS MUST BE RETURNED BY 0900 HOURS (9:00 am) TO ENSURE THAT OTHER PATIENTS CAN BE HOOKED UP ON TIME.