Holter Monitoring

Holter monitoring records the heartbeat over 24 hours, during normal daily activity, to help identify problems undetected by an electrocardiogram (EKG). A portable EKG monitor is connected to EKG leads attached to your chest to measure and record the pathway of electrical impulses through the heart muscle. Chest hair is shaved and the EKG leads are attached and taped in place to prevent displacement. The monitor is worn in a shoulder harness or attached to your belt loops.


  1. Arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. You may park in the Shore Cancer Center/CardioVascular Institute parking lot on Brighton Avenue and walk directly across the street to the CardioVascular Institute.
  2. You will register for your exam at the reception desk in the CardioVascular Institute.
  3. Please bring the following items with you:
    • Drivers license or other photo identification
    • Insurance cards
    • Prescription or order from your physician and referrals if required
    • A list of your medications with dosages
  4. You may carry out normal, everyday activities, but be alert to irregular heartbeats, chest pains, and other symptoms.
  5. Keep a careful diary recording your various activities (exercise, eating, etc.) and record the time and circumstances of any symptoms.
  6. Don’t let the leads get wet. No bath or shower while the monitor is attached. If a lead comes loose, don’t try to reattach it yourself.
  7. No powders or lotions on the chest area.
  8. Return the following day at the scheduled time to have the monitor and leads removed.