Electrocardiogram (ECG) is the recording of electrical activity and rhythm of the heart.  Ambulatory ECG monitoring (also known as holter monitoring or 24-hour ECG) involves continuously recording your heart’s rhythm for 24 hours, although sometimes this is performed for longer periods.

The video below from the British Heart Foundation provides a guide on what happens during the test.

 

• Three electrodes will be attached to your chest.
• The monitor is small and discrete, it can be clipped to a belt of placed in your pocket.
• You can carry out your normal daily activities with the exception of anything that involves getting the monitor wet such as swimming.  You will not be able to bath or shower while wearing the monitor.
• A diary sheet will be provided so that any symptoms such as palpitations can be recorded.
• You will need to return to the hospital at the end of the monitoring period so that the recording can be downloaded and interpreted.  We will also need the monitor returned on time so that it can be cleaned and prepared for the next patient.
• If the department is closed the monitor can be returned to the “Small Cardio Monitor Returns” box.  For the location of these boxes, please see the relevant map for Princess Royal Hospital or Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

These are small portable ECG monitors that can be used at times of symptoms, usually when symptoms do not occur frequently enough to be recorded on a 24-hour ECG.

• The recorder is placed underneath your clothes onto the bare skin of your chest at the time of your symptom.
• ECG will be recorded for 1 minute.
• Multiple recordings can be made.
• Once the recording is complete the ECG data can be transmitted to the hospital using your telephone land line.
• Please see our instruction leaflet for more information