Holter Monitor (24-Hour Electrocardiogram Monitoring) at UPMC in Central Pa.

The Holter monitor is a type of electrocardiogram (EKG) used to monitor your heart function continuously for a period of 24 hours or longer.

The cardiologists at UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute may recommend a Holter monitor if you show symptoms of a heart condition that cannot be diagnosed with a conventional resting EKG.

Benefits of a Holter Monitor

Sometimes symptoms, such as dizziness, fainting, low blood pressure, prolonged fatigue, and/or palpitations, continue to occur without a definitive diagnosis obtained with a resting EKG. When this occurs, your cardiologists may request an EKG tracing to be run over a longer period of time. This allows a better opportunity to capture any abnormal heartbeats or rhythms that may be causing the symptoms. A Holter monitor recording can be used to:

• Evaluate chest pain not reproduced with exercise testing
• Evaluate other signs and symptoms that may be heart-related, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting
• Identify irregular heartbeats or palpitations
• Assess risk for future heart-related events in certain conditions, such as cardiomyopathy, or post-heart attack
• Assess the function of an implanted pacemaker
• Determine the effectiveness of therapy for complex arrhythmias

How does a Holter monitor work?

The Holter monitor records continuously for the entire period of 24 to 48 hours. Some also have an event monitor feature that you activate when symptoms begin to occur.

You will receive instructions regarding how long you will need to wear the recorder (usually 24 to 48 hours), how to keep a diary of your activities and symptoms during the test, and personal care and activity instructions, which include keeping the device dry while you are wearing it.

The Procedure

• There is no preparation required for the procedure and it is usually done on an outpatient basis.
• Electrodes will be attached to your chest and abdomen and then attached to the Holter monitor with lead wires. The monitor box may be worn over your shoulder like a shoulder bag, or it may clip to your belt or pocket.
• Once you have been hooked up to the monitor and given instructions, you will return to your usual activities, such as work, household chores, and exercise, unless your doctor instructs you differently. This will allow your cardiologist to identify problems that may only occur with certain activities.
• You will keep a diary of your activities during the recording period, writing down the date and time of your activities, and if any symptoms, such as dizziness, palpitations, chest pain, or other previously-experienced symptoms occur.
• There is no special care following a Holter monitor recording.

Need more information?

Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Practices
Cumberland/Dauphin/Franklin/Perry Counties: 717-731-0101
Pediatric : 717-761-0200
Hanover: 717-637-1738
York: 717-849-5576
Lancaster/Lititz: 717-299-5000
Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery: 717-231-8555

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Locations

Cardiovascular Diagnostic Services
Located at UPMC Outpatient Center
2201 Brunswick Drive
2100
Hanover, PA 17331
Phone: 717-316-2195
Fax: 717-316-2242

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at UPMC Outpatient Center
1251 East Main Street
Suite 3
Annville, PA 17003
Adult Cardiology: 717-731-0101
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
360 Alexander Spring Road
Carlisle, PA 17013
Adult Cardiology: 717-243-6557
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Fax: 717-243-0102 

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
900 Century Drive
Suite 100
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Phone: 717-591-3660 or 800-248-0257
Fax: 717-591-3661

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Medical Professional Center of Newport
300 Bretz Court
Newport, PA 17074
Phone: 717-567-7246 or 800-248-0257
Fax: 717-567-2621 

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
2808 Old Post Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Adult Cardiology: 717-920-4400
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Fax: 717-920-4401

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
12 Saint Paul Drive
Suite 205
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Adult Cardiology: 717-217-6881
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Fax: 717-217-6889

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Commerce Park Professional Center
20 Expedition Trail
Suite 203
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: 717-637-1738
Fax: 717-646-7430

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at UPMC Outpatient Center
2201 Brunswick Drive
2200
Hanover, PA 17331
Phone: 717-637-1738
Fax: 717-646-7430

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Medical Office Building
310 Stock Street
Suite 3
Hanover, PA 17331
Phone: 717-637-1738
Fax: 717-646-7430

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
16324 Mount Airy Road
Lower Level
Shrewsbury, PA 17361
Phone: 717-849-5576
Fax: 717-718-9972

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
1600 6th Avenue
Suite 105
York, PA 17403
Phone: 717-849-5576
Fax: 717-718-9972 

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
1555 Highlands Drive
Suite 100
Lititz, PA 17543
Phone: 717-299-5000
Fax: 717-431-1205 

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute (formerly Cardiac Consultants)
1697 Crown Avenue
Suite 100
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: 717-299-5000
Fax: 717-431-1205