[Rational use of ambulatory ECG recordings]

Ambulatory ECG recordings and the memory function of cardiac devices are very useful to record arrhythmias. For this purpose various modalities of documentation are available including externally worn ECGs with variable recording duration and implantable cardiac devices with recording periods over years. The probably most frequent indication for an ambulatory ECG recording is syncope. In contrast to episodic palpitations, syncope is associated with hemodynamic impairment and reduced cerebral perfusion which precludes visiting a physician in order to record an ECG during the attack. Furthermore, ambulatory ECG might be useful in patients with short-lasting palpitations. A selective application of this diagnostic tool might also be appropriate in asymptomatic patients, particularly in order to search for episodes of atrial fibrillation. This indication is of great interest since the introduction of pulmonary vein isolation as a valuable therapeutic option in atrial fibrillation patients to document asymptomatic recurrences for quality control reasons.