Catch What a Single EKG Can Miss
Holter Monitor Testing in Florence, AL
A Holter monitor test is a small, wearable device that records your heart's rhythm continuously for 24 hours (sometimes up to 48), rather than the few seconds captured by a standard EKG. It's one of several heart monitoring devices we use, alongside the related cardiac event monitor, which only records when triggered by symptoms rather than continuously. Some at-home heart rhythm monitoring happens because symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or irregular heartbeats come and go, and a brief office visit might miss them entirely. Wearing a monitor through your normal day, and even while you sleep, gives Dr. Naidu a much fuller picture of what your heart is actually doing.
At Cardiovascular Institute of the Shoals, we fit you with the monitor in our office, walk you through how to wear it, and review the results personally once you return it. You'll keep a simple log of any symptoms you notice, which helps us match what you're feeling to what your heart rhythm was doing at that exact moment.
If you've had unexplained palpitations, fainting spells, or a heart rhythm concern that hasn't shown up on a regular EKG, this test is often the next right step. Request an appointment and we'll get you set up.
What to Expect
Wearing a Holter Monitor
The monitor itself is about the size of a deck of cards, and it connects to a few small electrodes taped to your chest. You'll wear it under your clothing, and it won't stop you from most normal activities, though we'll ask you to avoid showering or swimming while it's on. During the monitoring period, you'll jot down the time and details of any symptoms, like a racing heartbeat or lightheadedness, so we can line those moments up with what the device recorded.
How Accurate Are Wearable Heart Monitors?
Patients often ask us how a Holter monitor compares to the fitness trackers and smartwatches many people already wear. Consumer wearables can be a helpful early signal, but they're not built or cleared to the same medical standard as a Holter monitor. A Holter uses continuous, multi-lead electrode readings specifically designed for diagnostic accuracy, which is why it remains the standard tool when we need a reliable record of your heart rhythm over time, rather than a rough estimate.
What We're Looking For
Once you return the monitor, we download and review the full recording. We're checking for irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), pauses between beats, or patterns that line up with the symptoms you logged. If we find something significant, we'll talk with you about next steps, which might include additional testing like an Echocardiogram or a conversation about ongoing management for a condition like coronary artery disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Holter monitor, and how long do I have to wear it?
Holter monitoring is a continuous heart rhythm recording. Most patients wear the monitor for 24 to 48 hours, though in some cases Dr. Naidu may recommend a longer monitoring period depending on how often your symptoms occur. We'll give you clear instructions on exactly how long to wear it and when to return it to our office.
Can I shower or exercise while wearing a Holter monitor?
You'll need to avoid showering, bathing, or swimming while the monitor is attached, since the electrodes and recorder can't get wet. Light activity and normal daily movement are generally fine, and in fact, we want you to go about your regular routine so the recording reflects how your heart behaves during everyday life, not just while you're resting.
What happens if the monitor doesn't catch any symptoms?
Even if you don't notice symptoms during the recording period, the data itself is still useful. We're looking at your heart's overall rhythm pattern, not just the moments you feel something. If symptoms are infrequent and the monitor doesn't capture one, we may recommend a longer monitoring period or a different type of testing to get a clearer answer.
How do I schedule Holter monitor testing near me?
We fit and review Holter monitors right here in our Florence office, with Dr. Naidu personally reading every result. We also offer online scheduling to make booking easy. Request an appointment and we'll get you started. We look forward to seeing you.