[Analysis of 24-hour dynamic electrocardiogram in 394 elderly population]
Insights
This study on 394 elderly individuals found frequent arrhythmias like superventricular and ventricular ectopic beats. However, minimal heart rate below 30 bpm or asymptomatic myocardial ischemia require clinical attention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Electrocardiography
Context:
- 24-hour dynamic electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring is crucial for assessing cardiac health in the elderly.
- Arrhythmias and myocardial ischemia are common concerns in geriatric populations.
Purpose:
- To analyze the incidence of arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, and minimal heart rate in elderly individuals using 24-hour dynamic ECG.
- To determine the clinical significance of observed cardiac events.
Summary:
- The study analyzed 394 elderly patients, revealing high rates of isolated superventricular ectopic beats (97.2%) and ventricular ectopic beats (85.3%).
- Nonparoxysmal SVT occurred in 55.6% and paroxysmal SVT in 18.8%. Nonparoxysmal VT was 5.6% and paroxysmal VT was 1.8%.
- Minimal heart rate below 30 bpm was found in 6 cases without symptoms. Myocardial ischemia was present in 22.1% of cases (87 patients), with 93.1% being asymptomatic.
Impact:
- While most ectopic beats appear clinically insignificant, bradycardia (minimal heart rate <30 bpm) and asymptomatic myocardial ischemia warrant closer monitoring in the elderly.
- Highlights the importance of comprehensive 24-hour ECG analysis for identifying potentially serious cardiac conditions in asymptomatic elderly patients.
Abstract:
To analyse the incidences of arrhythmiases, myocardial ischemia and the minimal heart rate detected by 24-hour dynamic electrocardiogram, three hundred and ninety-four elderly cases of 24-hour dynamic electrocardiogram were studied. The results were shown as follows: 1. the incidence rates of isolated superventricular ectopic beat 97.2%, and paired were 96.2%; nonparaxysmal superventricular tachycardia (SVT) was 55.6%, and paraxysmal SVT was 18.8% respectively. The incidence rates of isolated ventricular ectopic beat and paired were 85.3%, 16.2%, while nonparaxysmal ventricular tachycardia (VT) was 5.6%, paraxysmal VT was 1.8% respectively; 2. 6 cases of minimal heart rate less than 30 beats per minute without subjective symptoms was found while minimal beart rate did not decline with increase of age; 3. 81 (93.1%) of 87 cases (22.1%) who showed myocardial ischemia were completely asymptomatic. It is assumed that the occurances of superventricular and ventricular ectopic beats were of no clinic significance. However, it is important to pay more attention to those whose minimal heart rate is less than 30 beats per minute or who has had episodes of myocardial ischemia.
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