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[The use of Holter electrocardiography in permanent pacemaker users]
J M da Costa1, M Esteves, C Morais
1Internato Complementar de Cardiologia, Hospital de Santa Maria.
Summary
Holter monitoring effectively detects intermittent pacemaker malfunctions and unrelated cardiac rhythm disturbances in patients with permanent pacemaker systems. This diagnostic method aids in identifying issues like undersensing, oversensing, and loss of capture.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Context:
- Permanent pacemaker systems are crucial for managing cardiac rhythm disorders.
- Evaluating pacemaker function and identifying associated complications is essential for patient care.
Purpose:
- To assess the diagnostic utility of Holter ambulatory monitoring in patients with permanent pacemakers.
- To identify and categorize pacemaker malfunctions and unrelated cardiac rhythm disturbances.
Summary:
- Thirty-seven patients with permanent pacemakers underwent 24-hour Holter monitoring.
- Twelve pacemaker malfunctions (undersensing, oversensing, loss of capture, pacemaker-mediated tachycardia) were detected in ten patients.
- Fifteen unrelated rhythm disturbances (supraventricular, ventricular, AV block) were identified in thirteen patients.
Impact:
- Holter monitoring is a valuable tool for diagnosing intermittent pacemaker system malfunctions.
- This method also reveals cardiac rhythm changes not associated with the pacing system, guiding appropriate clinical management.