24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor

– Ambulatory Cardiac Monitoring

24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor

Continuous heart rhythm monitoring throughout your normal daily routine — catching what a standard ECG cannot.

Monitoring Duration

24 Hours

Before Device Fitting

Shower First

Results

3–5 Days

– What is a 24 Hour Holter Monitor?

Monitoring Your Heart Around the Clock

A Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that continuously records your heart’s electrical activity over a 24-hour period. Unlike a standard ECG, which captures just a few seconds of data, a Holter monitor provides a complete picture of your heart rhythm throughout an entire day and night.

The device is fitted at the clinic — small electrodes are placed on your chest and connected to a lightweight recorder, typically worn on a belt or shoulder strap. You then go home and carry on with your normal daily activities, keeping a brief diary of any symptoms you experience and the time they occur.

After 24 hours, you return the device to the clinic. Our cardiac physiologists and consultant cardiologists then analyse the entire recording, correlating any rhythm abnormalities with the entries in your symptom diary.

When Is It Used?

Reasons You May Need a 24 Hour Monitor

Your GP, specialist, or our team may recommend a standard ECG for any of the following reasons.

Intermittent Palpitations

Heart racing, fluttering or skipping beats that are not present all the time

Unexplained Dizziness

Rrecurring episodes of light-headedness that may have a cardiac cause

Blackouts or Near-Fainting

Syncope episodes requiring investigation of the heart rhythm

Suspected Atrial Fibrillation

Screening for AF following stroke or TIA, or after an irregular pulse is detected

Monitoring known arrhythmia

Assessing the frequency and type of a previously identified rhythm disorder

Medication Review

Evaluating whether anti-arrhythmic medication is adequately controlling a rhythm abnormality

Your Appointment

What to Expect

Device Fitting

Shower before attending — you won't be able to while wearing the device. Our team will clean your skin and attach electrodes, then connect the recording unit.

Go About Your Day

Wear the monitor for the full 24 hours. Carry on with normal activities. Avoid swimming and bathing. Keep the brief symptom diary we provide, noting any palpitations or dizziness.

Return the Device

After 24 hours, return to the clinic to have the device removed. Hand in your completed symptom diary — this is important for accurate interpretation of your results.

Receive Your Report

Our cardiologist analyses your full 24-hour recording against your symptom diary. A detailed written report is sent to you and your GP within 3–5 working days.

Can I shower while wearing the Holter monitor?

No — the monitor is not waterproof, so you should not shower, bathe or swim while wearing it. We recommend showering immediately before your fitting appointment so you are comfortable throughout the monitoring period.

Can I exercise while wearing the monitor?

Light to moderate exercise such as walking is absolutely fine and is actually encouraged, as symptoms often occur during activity. We would advise avoiding contact sports or vigorous exercise that might dislodge the electrodes. Swimming is not possible.

What if I don't have any symptoms during the 24 hours?

This is common and the recording is still valuable. Your cardiologist will analyse the full 24-hour trace for any underlying rhythm abnormalities even in the absence of symptoms. If no meaningful abnormality is found and your symptoms are very infrequent, a 7-day or 14-day monitor may then be recommended to increase the likelihood of capturing an event.

Is the monitor visible under clothing?

Modern Holter monitors are small and compact. The recorder (about the size of a small mobile phone) is clipped to a belt or worn in a small pouch. Under normal clothing it is generally not noticeable. Most patients are comfortable wearing it throughout a working day.

How is the 24 hour monitor different from a longer monitor?

A 24-hour monitor is most appropriate when symptoms occur most days or are suspected to be related to exercise or daily stress. If your palpitations or dizziness only happen once or twice a week, a 7-day monitor provides a better chance of capturing an event. We also offer 14-day monitoring for very infrequent symptoms.