Continuous Heart Monitoring — for the Moments You Don’t Feel

At Southwest Virginia Cardiology, we know that heart rhythm problems don’t always happen during a regular doctor’s visit. That’s why we offer Holter and MCOT (Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry) monitoring — simple, comfortable tests that track your heart’s activity while you go about your daily life.

These advanced tools help our cardiologists detect irregular heartbeats, evaluate symptoms, and understand how your heart performs over time — giving you peace of mind and helping us deliver the most accurate diagnosis possible.

What Is a Holter Monitor?

A Holter monitor is a small, portable device that continuously records your heart’s electrical activity, typically over 24 to 48 hours.

It’s similar to an ECG (electrocardiogram), but instead of capturing just a few seconds of data, it tracks every heartbeat during your normal daily routine — at home, at work, or even while you sleep.

You’ll wear the lightweight monitor on your chest with small, comfortable electrodes connected by wires. As you move through your day, the Holter captures every heartbeat, helping us identify any abnormal rhythms that might come and go unpredictably.

What Is MCOT (Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry)?

MCOT monitoring takes heart rhythm tracking a step further. Like a Holter, it records your heart activity — but it also transmits the data in real time to our monitoring center using secure wireless technology.

That means if your heart rhythm changes suddenly, the system alerts our medical team right away, allowing for immediate review and faster response if needed.

MCOT is often used when:

• Symptoms occur infrequently
• There is a history of fainting, dizziness, or unexplained palpitations
• Continuous, long-term observation is needed beyond 48 hours

With MCOT, you can live your normal life — while your heart is quietly and safely monitored by experts who care.

Why These Tests Matter

Holter and MCOT monitoring help diagnose:

• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Unexplained dizziness or fainting
• Palpitations or fluttering sensations
• The effectiveness of certain heart medications
• How your heart responds after procedures or treatments