[Computer analysis of ambulatory electrocardiograms. Electrophysiological value of the Holter method]

Ambulatory electrocardiography (Holter method) is a technique which is well adapted to the recording of arrhythmias occurring during normal everyday activities. This data is assessed by conventional computer techniques with the object of quantifying the phenomena recorded. However, data processing should not be limited to these as more comprehensive methods of analysis are now available. An attack of arrhythmia is in fact never a chance happening. If one studies the context and the sequence of cardiac cycles leading up to the arrhythmia, the close relationship between arrhythmias and the autonomic nervous system becomes apparent with important therapeutic implications.