Holter Monitor Test in Ontario
A small recorder you wear at home that keeps track of your heart rhythm during your normal day.
At a glance
- How to prepare
- See the steps below
- Cost
- Covered by OHIP With a requisition. Without OHIP from $190
- Results
- 24 to 48 hours Report sent to your doctor
A Holter monitor is a small, portable recorder that tracks your heart's electrical activity while you go about your day. Sticky pads on your chest connect to a recorder you clip to your belt. You wear it for 24, 48 or 72 hours, depending on what your doctor ordered, then bring it back.
A regular ECG only captures a few seconds. A Holter monitor captures a whole day or more, which helps your doctor look for rhythm changes that come and go. Why you need one is a conversation for you and your doctor.
Why your doctor might order it
- To look into symptoms that come and go, such as a fluttering or racing heartbeat, dizziness or fainting
- To record your heart rhythm over a full day or longer
- To see how your heart behaves during your normal routine
How to prepare
- Shower or bathe before your appointment. The monitor and pads need to stay dry once they are on.
- Wear a two-piece outfit. A loose, button-up shirt fits easily over the wires afterwards.
- If you take medication, ask the doctor who ordered the test whether to take it as usual.
- To check whether there is anything else to do before your fitting, for example about lotion or oil on your chest, call 416-462-0064.
What happens
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early with your health card and your signed requisition.
- At the fitting, small sticky pads are placed on your chest and connected to the recorder. The skin may be cleaned, and small areas shaved, so the pads stick. To check how long to allow for the fitting, call 416-462-0064.
- You go home and carry on with your usual day, including sleep. Keep the monitor dry and keep it on.
- Your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of what you were doing and any symptoms, with the time.
- When the recording time is up, the monitor needs to come back, with your diary if you kept one. Ask at your fitting, or call 416-462-0064, how and where to return it.
- The recording is analysed and a report goes to the provider who ordered the test, who will review it with you.
Cost and OHIP coverage
With a valid Ontario health card and a requisition, this exam is covered by OHIP. There is no charge for the exam, the report or your images.
Without OHIP, Bluewater's cash fee schedule lists a Holter monitor at $190 for 24 hours, $345 for 48 hours and $485 for 72 hours, as of October 2026. The full list of self-pay prices is on our Insurance & Billing page.
Where to have it done
Holter monitoring is offered at our Port Hope clinic.
Common questions
How long do you wear a Holter monitor?
It depends on what your doctor ordered. Bluewater's fee schedule lists Holter monitoring for 24, 48 and 72 hours, and your requisition will say which one you need.
Can I shower with a Holter monitor?
Usually not. The monitor and the pads on your chest need to stay dry, so have a shower or bath before your appointment. Ask the technologist at your fitting about washing during a longer recording.
Can I exercise and sleep normally with a Holter monitor?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, yes. The point is to record your heart during a normal day and night. Write down any exercise and any symptoms, with the time, if you are asked to keep a diary.
Is a Holter monitor covered by OHIP?
Yes, with a valid Ontario health card and a requisition. Without OHIP, Bluewater's self-pay price as of October 2026 is $190 for 24 hours, $345 for 48 hours and $485 for 72 hours.