24-hour Holter monitoring
24-hour Holter monitoring is a service offered by I-MED Radiology at select clinics in conjunction with one of our other cardiac imaging examinations.
24-hour Holter monitoring
24-hour Holter monitoring is a service offered by I-MED Radiology at select clinics in conjunction with one of our other cardiac imaging examinations.
24-hour Holter monitoring is a service offered by I-MED Radiology at select clinics. You may also be referred for one of our other cardiac imaging examinations (such as Chest X-ray, Echocardiography, CT Coronary Angiography, CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring or Cardiac MRI), as often these services will complement each other to obtain the most comprehensive and accurate diagnosis for your symptoms.
What is a Holter Monitor?
A Holter monitor is a small, battery-powered device that measures your heart’s activity such as its rate and rhythm. It connects to several leads which attach to electrodes placed on your chest with a special adhesive gel. The electrodes conduct your heart’s activity through the leads to the monitor, where the data is recorded. It is usually worn over a period of 24 hours but can be worn longer if indicated by your doctor.
How much will my procedure cost?
Fees for radiology procedures vary and depend on a number of factors, including the type of procedure, what has been requested on your referral and the Medicare rebates available. We will advise you of any fees associated with your examination at the time of making your appointment or when you arrive at the clinic. Alternatively you can contact us and one of our team will be happy to answer any queries regarding fees. For more information about fees and rebates please visit our account FAQs.
How does it work? keyboard_arrow_down
Holter monitoring continuously records your heart rate and rhythm for the period you wear it as go about your daily routine. Doctors may recommend using a Holter monitor when more detailed information about heart function is needed beyond what a routine electrocardiogram (ECG) can provide. Wearing the monitor for an extended period of time may help diagnose conditions such as cardiac arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, bradycardia etc.
You will receive instructions on how to care for the monitor and what activities to avoid whilst wearing it. The most important instruction is to avoid bathing, showering, and swimming during the test. Aside from this, you should continue with your normal activities during the monitoring period. You’ll be asked to record your activities, on a diary sheet provided to you, to help determine if changes in heart activity are related to your behaviours and movements.
There is also an "event" button on the device, which you can press if you experience any cardiac related symptoms while you are wearing the monitor (such as chest pain, a rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath). Pressing the "event" button will indicate to the interpreting Cardiologist that you were symptomatic at this time. They will use this information, along with the recordings of your diary sheet, to correlate your physical symptoms with ECG activity.
The monitor comes in a small pouch which you can place in your pocket or attach to the waistband of your pants. Wearing the Holter monitor poses no risks, though the adhesive used for the electrodes may cause mild skin irritation for some people, so please inform the technician if you have any allergies to tapes or adhesives. You will be shown how to reattach electrodes if they become loose or fall off during the testing period however this does not occur often.
What happens after 24 Hours? keyboard_arrow_down
After 24 hours, you will return to our clinic to have the monitor removed. The recorded data will be sent to Cardionexus for analysis which may take up to one week. The results will then be distributed to your referring doctor.
How do I book 24-hour Holter monitoring? keyboard_arrow_down
Please call our clinic directly to book your 24-hour Holter monitoring test. Your test will be bulk billed for all Medicare eligible patients.
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How much will my procedure cost?
Fees for radiology procedures vary and depend on a number of factors, including the type of procedure, what has been requested on your referral and the Medicare rebates available. We will advise you of any fees associated with your examination at the time of making your appointment or when you arrive at the clinic. Alternatively you can contact us and one of our team will be happy to answer any queries regarding fees. For more information about fees and rebates please visit our account FAQs.