[Holter functions in cardiac pacemakers: expanding diagnostic possibilities and their clinical relevance]

By encompassing diagnostic multifunctions, microprocessor equipped pulse generators represent a marked improvement in the field of diagnosis and treatment. In this sense, bioelectrical data can be recorded over long periods, up to years, making a continuous follow-up possible. Changes in basic cardiac rhythm, pacemaker malfunctions, effect of parameter programming, even the assessment of antiarrhythmic therapy are some information that could be acquired. The screening function is particularly valuable for detecting sporadic arrhythmias and intermittent pacemaker malfunction which would otherwise go undetected. The limitation of this system lies in the fact that it does not render information on morphology and lacks the chronological correlation between recorded events.