An evaluation of a new ECG monitor which detects and classifies ventricular extrasystoles.

A device is described which is highly efficient in detecting and classifying ventricular ectopic beats. This instrument may have a significant role in patient monitoring. The system is based on analysis of a 5 electrode orthogonal system with comparison of QRS wave forms with a stored normal wave form. The design was based on a test derived from 26 patients and evaluated further on long recordings of 16 other patients. Results indicate that the device is highly reliable in QRS detection and in detection of ventricular ectopic beats. The problem of artefacts due mainly to patient movement is held within resonable limits.

Pericarditis in acute myocardial infarction.

In 1505 patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) pericarditis was diagnosed most often in those with anterior transmural ECG changes. Those with pericarditis had a significantly greater hospital mortality and peak serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and a greater incidence of left ventricular failure (LVF).

Tachyarrhythmias in acute myocardial infarction.

In 1505 patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) serious ventricular arrhythmias were commoner in those with transmural ECG changes, and were associated with an increase in mortality and in the incidence of left ventricular failure (LVF) as well as higher peak serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurred more often in older patients and in those with LVF and clinical evidence of pericarditis.