Ambulatory twenty four hour ECG monitoring in post myocardial infarction patients

ABSTRACT

Twenty patients with acute myocardial infarction were monitored by Holter monitor [HM] and the standard ECG two weeks after the infarction. Arrhythmia were detected in 40% by the ECG and in 100% by HM. PVCs were recorded in 20% by ECG and in 85% by HM. The complexity of PVCs were evident by HM only. Ventricular tachycardia was recorded in one patient by HM. Atrial premature contractions were recorded in 80% by HM, only. Supra-ventricular tachycardia was recorded in one only by HM. Sinus bradycardia was recorded in 20% by HM only. Effect of sleep was analyzed. The arrhythmia at early phase of infarction was compared to those occurred after two weeks. It was concluded that recording by standard ECG was unreliable for estimating the incidence, frequency or complexity of arrhythmia. It was recommended not to rely patients symptoms for the perception of arrhythmia. Post myocardial infarction patients should undergo HM prior to hospital discharge, if it is available