Our Holter monitor is a small, battery-powered medical device that measures your heart's activity, such as rate and rhythm. Your doctor may ask you to wear one if they need more detailed information about how your heart functions than a routine electrocardiogram (EKG) can produce.

At myKardio we supply Holter monitors for continuous 72 hour or 7 to 14 day testing period to record your heart's rate and rhythm. You wear the Holter monitor as you go about your normal daily routine, and can even shower with the device on. It consists of one patch and one wire and is easily placed by you in the convenience of your own home. A complete set of instructions comes with the monitor, as well as a phone number in case you have questions about the placement or function of the device. The Holter Monitor can continuously detect your heart's rate and rhythm but also when you feel chest pains or exhibit symptoms of an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia.

With myKardio service, patients can be referred for a 72 hour or 7 to 14 day Holter monitor from the comfort of their own home. The compact and waterproof device is delivered via express post mail, with clear instructions included for the patient to be able to carry out the test themselves. The patient then returns the device by placing it into the postage paid mailer and drops it into a mail box for return to our main office. Once the device arrives at our centre, it will be analyzed by our team of expert cardiovascular technologists and read by one of our cardiologists. The results will be sent to the referring physician via fax through our secure EMR system.

The DR400 is the smallest and most versatile device in the line-up of cardiac monitors available today. Weighing in at just 33 grams or 1.2 ounces, the waterproof "Patch" style recorder solves your remote cardiac monitoring needs. With a range of 72 hours to 14-day Holter capabilities, this multi-functional recorder uses Bluetooth technology to transmit cardiac events every 20 minutes making ECG transmissions near-real-time. The 14-day Holter option is dependable and relies on a single charge throughout the entire recording.

Uses for Holter monitoring

An EKG is a medical test that's used to measure your heart rate and rhythm. It's also used to look for other abnormalities that may affect normal heart function. During an EKG, electrodes are placed on your chest to check your heart's rhythm. You may experience heart rhythm irregularities that don't show up at the time the EKG is done because you're only hooked up to the machine for a very brief amount of time.

Abnormal heart rhythms and other types of cardiac symptoms can come and go. Monitoring for a longer period of time is necessary to record these events. The Holter monitor lets your doctor see how your heart functions on a long-term basis. The recordings made by the monitor help your doctor determine if your heart is getting enough oxygen or if the electrical impulses in the heart are delayed or early. These irregular impulses may be referred to as arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms.

If you're already being treated for heart problems, wearing your monitor can help your doctor determine if your medicine is working or if changes need to be made. It can also help them to see why you might be experiencing other symptoms of irregular heartbeat, such as dizziness, faintness, or feeling like your heart is racing or skipping a beat.

How it works

The Holter monitor is small. It is half the size of a deck of playing cards. myKardio's Holter Monitors have a self-adhesive patch, on which the monitor is attached. The electrodes in the patch conduct your heart's activity to the Holter monitor, where it is recorded.

You're encouraged to participate in your normal activities during the Holter test. An EVENT button is also on the Holter in order to document if you experience any chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath or other cardiac symptoms while wearing the device. This helps your doctor determine if changes in heart activity are related to specific symptoms you may have.

Wearing the Holter monitor itself is painless and has no risks, however, the tape or adhesives that attach the electrodes to your skin may cause mild skin irritation in some people. Let us know if you're allergic to any tapes or adhesives.

Accuracy of testing

Keep the Holter monitor dry except for light showers to ensure it functions properly. Take a bath or shower before the monitor is fitted and don't apply any lotions or creams. Avoid activities like baths or swimming that would lead to the monitor getting immersed in water.

Understanding the results

After the recommended testing time frame has passed, you will remove it and send it back to myKardio via Canada Post in the included postage-paid bubble mailer. Your test data will be sent to our diagnostic centre where a specialized group of technologists and Cardiologists will analyze and interpret the results of the monitor recording and share the results with your doctor. Depending on the results of the test, you may need to undergo further testing before a diagnosis is made.

The Holter monitor may reveal that your medicine isn't working or your dosage needs to be altered if you're already taking medication for an abnormal heart rhythm. It is especially useful in detecting abnormal heart rhythms that are painless and unknown to you.

Wearing a Holter monitor is painless and one of the best ways to identify potential heart problems or other issues.

If you think you would benefit from the 72-Hour or 14 Day Holter Monitor test but either are not able to see your doctor for the referral or do not have a physician, you can visit our request page. We will then contact you and, with your consent, will send you to a virtual clinic where a doctor can discuss your concern and may be able to recommend one of the tests.

Instructions

Click below to download a copy of our up to date instructions.