Long-term ECG monitoring in suspected Adams-Stokes disease

Long-term ECG recording techniques have facilitated the diagnosis in atypical cases of Adams-Stockes syndrome. In the use of ambulatory ECG monitoring, new and mainly technical problems have been arisen. In 200 ECG recordings on cassette tape, 78% was considered sufficient for an accurate diagnosis. More than 50% of the unsuccessful recordings were unreadable due to electrode problems. The use of ambulatory monitoring demands that electrode fixation and placement be handled carefully and that the mechanical and electronic equipment be serviced frequently. Patients with third-degree atrioventricular block and syncopes of fainting spells run a high risk of sudden death. It is therefore not recommended to use ambulatory monitoring techniques on these patients.