Our Services
24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor

24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor

  • Records your heart rhythm for a day
  • Helps link symptoms to your rhythm
  • You wear a portable recorder
Request an appointment
Call 1800 202 111

Why record for a full day?

A standard clinic ECG lasts only a couple of minutes. If your palpitations, fluttering, or dizziness happen irregularly, a resting ECG might easily miss them.

A 24-hour Holter monitor continuously tracks and records your heart's electrical activity while you go about your normal day and as you sleep. Small adhesive patches on your chest connect via thin wires to a lightweight recorder worn in a small pouch around your neck or waist.

When you return the device the following day, a cardiologist compares the 24-hour recording against your written symptom diary to see whether your symptoms match any changes in heart rhythm.

What the recording can help explain

Your doctor may recommend a 24-hour Holter monitor to investigate:

  • Sudden episodes of rapid, racing, or pounding heartbeats (palpitations)
  • Unexplained lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
  • Suspected intermittent rhythm disturbances like atrial fibrillation
  • How well your heart medications or pacemaker are controlling your heart rate

Keep to Your Usual Routine

A day-long recording is often useful when symptoms happen frequently. The most important part of this test is living your typical day. Do not take it easy or avoid normal physical activities unless your doctor specifically told you to do so. We want to see how your heart behaves under your standard daily conditions.

About 15 minutes

To fit the monitor and go over the instructions

24-hour recording

Covers your daily activities and sleep

Symptom diary

Record the time and what you were doing

What happens during the appointment

Illustration of a 24 hour ECG Holter monitor, showing electrodes on the chest connected to a recorder
  1. Fitting:
    A cardiac technician will prepare your skin, trim small patches of chest hair if necessary, attach several adhesive electrodes to your chest, and connect the leads to the portable monitor.
  2. Keeping the diary:
    You will receive a simple paper diary. Every time you notice a flutter, dizzy turn, or breathlessness, write down:
    • The exact time
    • What you felt (e.g., "fluttering in chest," "lightheaded")
    • What you were doing (e.g., "walking up stairs," "resting on sofa")
  3. Event button:
    If your monitor includes an event button, press it when you feel symptoms - this will bookmark that exact second on the recording.

Device Care

  • Keep it dry: The recorder and electrodes cannot get wet. You must not shower, bathe, or swim while wearing the 24-hour monitor.
  • Sleeping: Wear the pouch around your neck or place it beside you on the mattress so the wires do not tug while you sleep.

If you've been referred to Heartscope

You will need a referral from your GP or specialist. Have your referral ready when booking so our team can confirm your details.

Fees

Medicare generally provides a rebate for 24-hour Holter monitoring when requested by a doctor.

You'll need to pay a $50 equipment deposit, which is refunded when you return the monitor in good condition. Staff will confirm the return time at the fitting. For the latest fees, see the page for your clinic under Our Locations.

After you return the monitor

Our cardiac specialists will download and analyse your recording, and match your diary entries with the exact rhythms captured. A full report is then sent to your referring doctor, who will discuss the diagnosis and any necessary management plans with you.

Preparing for the appointment

Before the fitting appointment

  • Shower beforehand: Because you cannot get the monitor wet during the 24 hours, we strongly encourage you to shower or bathe just before your fitting appointment.
  • Skin care: Do not apply body lotions, moisturising creams, or oils to your chest, as these stop the patches from sticking.
  • What to wear: Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing with a separate top and bottom. A loose shirt easily hides the monitor and wires.
  • Security deposit: Please bring a $50 refundable equipment deposit to your fitting appointment (payable by cash or card).
  • Medications: Continue taking all your regular prescription medicines as usual.

Please note that only 1 person will be allowed into the appointment room due to space constraints. Family, children, guardians, friends and carers will only be allowed in if it's absolutely necessary. A language interpreter can come in with you.

Returning the Monitor

After 24 hours have passed:

  1. Carefully peel the adhesive patches from your chest.
  2. Place the monitor, cables, and your completed symptom diary back into the carry pouch.
  3. Return the equipment to our clinic at your agreed return time.
  4. Your $50 deposit will be refunded immediately once the monitor is returned in good working order.

What to bring

  • Your doctor's referral letter and Medicare card.
  • A current list of your medications.
  • $50 refundable equipment deposit (cash or card).
  • Any notes about what times of day your symptoms typically occur.
Illustration of a 24 hour ECG Holter monitor, showing electrodes on the chest connected to a recorder

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Heartscope provide 24-hour Holter monitoring?

Yes. Heartscope fits 24-hour ECG Holter monitors by referral. The clinic will confirm your fitting and return appointments for the recording named on your referral.

Can I shower while wearing it?

No. The device is not waterproof. Please shower right before your fitting appointment, and wait until you remove the monitor the next day before showering again.

Will someone be watching the recording overnight?

No. The device stores your heart data for analysis after you return it. If you feel severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or collapse, seek emergency medical care immediately.

What if I have no symptoms during the test?

Return the monitor as planned. The recording still provides valuable clinical information about your average heart rate, natural rhythm fluctuations, and sleeping patterns. Be sure to let your doctor know that it was a symptom-free day.

Can I sleep normally?

Keep the monitor attached overnight and wear the recorder as you were shown. At the fitting, ask how to position the pouch and leads so they aren't pulled while you sleep.

Does the event button start the recording?

No. A Holter records continuously while it's connected. If your model has an event button, it marks a particular time for review. Staff will show you how to use it, but pressing it doesn't replace getting help if you feel seriously unwell.

Visit us

Cardiology clinics across Melbourne.
24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor
Ashburton
ashburton

Services at this clinic

ServiceCost
Cardiologist ConsultationPrivately billed
EchocardiogramBulk billed*
Stress EchocardiogramBulk billed*
24 Hour ECG Holter MonitorBulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit
24 Hour BP Monitor$120, plus a $50 refundable deposit
ECG$40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare
HeartBug$150
Sleep and respiratory servicesProvided by Sleepscope

*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.

Boronia
boronia

Services at this clinic

ServiceCost
Cardiologist ConsultationPrivately billed
EchocardiogramBulk billed*
Stress EchocardiogramBulk billed*
24 Hour ECG Holter MonitorBulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit
7 Day ECG Holter Monitor$250, plus a $50 refundable deposit $79.50 out of pocket with Medicare
24 Hour BP Monitor$120, plus a $50 refundable deposit
ECG$40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare
HeartBug$150
Sleep and respiratory servicesProvided by Sleepscope

*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.

Coolaroo
coolaroo

Services at this clinic

ServiceCost
Cardiologist ConsultationPrivately billed
EchocardiogramBulk billed*
Stress EchocardiogramBulk billed*
24 Hour ECG Holter MonitorBulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit
24 Hour BP Monitor$120, plus a $50 refundable deposit
ECG$40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare
Sleep and respiratory servicesProvided by Sleepscope

*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.

Cranbourne
cranbourne

Services at this clinic

ServiceCost
EchocardiogramBulk billed*
24 Hour ECG Holter MonitorBulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit
24 Hour BP Monitor$120, plus a $50 refundable deposit

*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.

Dandenong
dandenong

Services at this clinic

ServiceCost
Cardiologist ConsultationPrivately billed
EchocardiogramBulk billed*
Stress EchocardiogramBulk billed*
24 Hour ECG Holter MonitorBulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit
24 Hour BP Monitor$120, plus a $50 refundable deposit
ECG$40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare
HeartBug$150
Sleep and respiratory servicesProvided by Sleepscope

*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.

Keysborough
keysborough

Services at this clinic

ServiceCost
EchocardiogramBulk billed*
24 Hour ECG Holter MonitorBulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit
24 Hour BP Monitor$120, plus a $50 refundable deposit

*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.

Lalor
lalor

Services at this clinic

ServiceCost
Cardiologist ConsultationPrivately billed
EchocardiogramBulk billed*
Stress EchocardiogramBulk billed*
24 Hour ECG Holter MonitorBulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit
24 Hour BP Monitor$120, plus a $50 refundable deposit
ECG$40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare
HeartBug$150
Pacemaker ClinicBulk billed*
Sleep and respiratory servicesProvided by Sleepscope

*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.

M-City Clayton
clayton

Services at this clinic

ServiceCost
Cardiologist ConsultationPrivately billed
EchocardiogramBulk billed*
24 Hour ECG Holter MonitorBulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit
24 Hour BP Monitor$120, plus a $50 refundable deposit
ECG$40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare
HeartBug$150
Sleep and respiratory servicesProvided by Sleepscope

*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.

Melbourne
melbourne

Services at this clinic

ServiceCost
Cardiologist ConsultationPrivately billed
EchocardiogramBulk billed*
Stress EchocardiogramBulk billed*
24 Hour ECG Holter MonitorBulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit
7 Day ECG Holter Monitor$250, plus a $50 refundable deposit $79.50 out of pocket with Medicare
24 Hour BP Monitor$120, plus a $50 refundable deposit
ECG$40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare
Pacemaker ClinicBulk billed*
Sleep and respiratory servicesProvided by Sleepscope

*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.

Moonee Ponds
moonee-ponds

Services at this clinic

ServiceCost
EchocardiogramBulk billed*
Stress EchocardiogramBulk billed*

*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.

Mooroolbark
mooroolbark

Services at this clinic

ServiceCost
Cardiologist ConsultationPrivately billed
EchocardiogramBulk billed*
Stress EchocardiogramBulk billed*
24 Hour ECG Holter MonitorBulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit
24 Hour BP Monitor$120, plus a $50 refundable deposit
ECG$40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare
Pacemaker ClinicBulk billed*
Sleep and respiratory servicesProvided by Sleepscope

*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.

Pakenham
pakenham

Services at this clinic

ServiceCost
Cardiologist ConsultationPrivately billed
EchocardiogramBulk billed*
Stress EchocardiogramBulk billed*
ECG$40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare
24 Hour ECG Holter MonitorBulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit
24 Hour BP Monitor$120, plus a $50 refundable deposit
HeartBug$150
Pacemaker ClinicBulk billed*
Sleep and respiratory servicesProvided by Sleepscope

*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.

St Albans
st-albans

Services at this clinic

ServiceCost
Cardiologist ConsultationPrivately billed
EchocardiogramBulk billed*
Stress EchocardiogramBulk billed*
24 Hour ECG Holter MonitorBulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit
24 Hour BP Monitor$120, plus a $50 refundable deposit
ECG$40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare
HeartBug$150
Sleep and respiratory servicesProvided by Sleepscope

*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.

Sunnybank
sunnybank

Services at this clinic

ServiceCost
EchocardiogramBulk billed*
24 Hour ECG Holter MonitorBulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit
24 Hour BP Monitor$100, plus a $50 refundable deposit
ECG$40
HeartBugPrivately billed

*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.

Werribee
werribee

Services at this clinic

ServiceCost
Cardiologist ConsultationPrivately billed
EchocardiogramBulk billed*
Stress EchocardiogramBulk billed*
24 Hour ECG Holter MonitorBulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit
24 Hour BP Monitor$120, plus a $50 refundable deposit
ECG$40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare
HeartBug$150
Sleep and respiratory servicesProvided by Sleepscope

*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.

Wheelers Hill
wheelers-hill

Services at this clinic

ServiceCost
Cardiologist ConsultationPrivately billed
EchocardiogramBulk billed*
Stress EchocardiogramBulk billed*
24 Hour ECG Holter MonitorBulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit
24 Hour BP Monitor$120, plus a $50 refundable deposit
ECG$40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare
HeartBug$150
Sleep and respiratory servicesProvided by Sleepscope

*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.