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Cardiolucent

Procedure

Holter Monitor

Continuous 24- to 48-hour ambulatory EKG

A Holter monitor is a small portable EKG recorder worn continuously for 24 or 48 hours. Several adhesive electrodes are placed on the chest and connected to a recorder the size of a deck of cards (or a single adhesive patch on newer devices). Every heartbeat during the recording window is captured — including during sleep, exercise, meals, and any symptoms you note in a diary. The Holter is the right test when symptoms occur daily; for less frequent symptoms a longer event or patch monitor is a better fit.

What's Included

  • Continuous EKG recording for 24 to 48 hours
  • Multi-channel monitoring (typically 3 channels)
  • Symptom diary correlation
  • Total ectopic-beat burden and rhythm summary
  • Heart-rate trend and variability analysis
  • Automated detection of significant arrhythmias
  • Personal review of findings with Dr. Kedan

How It's Performed

The Holter is fitted in the Beverly Hills office. Electrodes are placed on your chest and connected by short wires to a small recorder clipped to your belt or worn in a pouch (or, with newer single-patch devices, applied directly to the skin). You go about a typical day, keep a brief symptom diary, and return the device the next day or two for download.

How to Prepare

  • Shower before the appointment — you cannot bathe while wearing the device.
  • Avoid heavy chest lotions the day of placement.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing on the day of fitting and during the recording.
  • Plan to log any symptoms (palpitations, dizziness, chest discomfort) with their time.
  • Take all routine medications as prescribed.

What to Expect After

You return the device and electrodes are removed in seconds. The recording is downloaded and processed within a few business days, and Dr. Kedan reviews the report personally. Results are discussed at a follow-up visit, and a clear next step — reassurance, medication, a longer monitor, or an interventional referral — is built around the findings.

Indications

  • Daily palpitations or perceived irregular heartbeats
  • Frequent dizziness, lightheadedness, or near-fainting
  • Known atrial fibrillation needing rate or burden assessment
  • Evaluation of medication effect on rhythm
  • Frequent premature beats (PVCs/PACs)
  • Suspected silent ischemic episodes
  • Initial rhythm survey before considering longer monitoring

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Holter monitor?
A Holter monitor is a continuous portable EKG recorder worn for 24 or 48 hours. It captures every heartbeat during normal daily activities so we can correlate symptoms with rhythm and quantify the burden of any abnormality.
How is it different from an event monitor?
A Holter records continuously for 1 to 2 days — ideal for daily symptoms. An event monitor records for 2 to 4 weeks and is triggered by symptoms or auto-detection — better for intermittent symptoms. Modern patch-based devices increasingly bridge the two.
How long does it record?
Typically 24 hours, sometimes extended to 48 or 72 hours when symptoms are slightly less frequent.
How do I prepare?
Shower before the visit, skip chest lotions, and wear loose tops. Take medications as usual. Plan to keep a short symptom diary with timestamps during the recording window.
Is it painful or uncomfortable?
No. The device is light and well-tolerated. The most common issue is mild skin irritation under the adhesive electrodes, which usually resolves within a day of removal.
Can I shower or exercise during the recording?
Showering is not recommended with traditional wired Holters — patch-based devices tolerate brief showers and sweat. Exercise is allowed and often informative; some recorders include an event button to mark exertion or symptoms.
What do the results show?
A comprehensive report including heart-rate ranges, total ectopic-beat counts, any episodes of atrial fibrillation or other tachyarrhythmias, pauses, and symptom-correlated events with sample tracings.
Who interprets the recording?
The monitoring service's certified technicians prepare the report, and Dr. Kedan personally reviews and finalizes every interpretation.
When will I get my results?
Typically within 3 to 7 business days after the device is returned. Urgent findings prompt an earlier call from the office.
How do I schedule one?
Call Cardiolucent at (310) 304-5555. Holter monitors are fitted in the Beverly Hills office and can often be placed the same day as your visit.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.