[Transtelephonic electrocardiography in Mexico. A report of the first 3434 cases]

The transtelephonic electrocardiographic system started in the 70's and it was used mainly in the study of heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, syncope and sudden death. This report, include 3434 electrocardiogram (ECG) of patients whom visit the emergency room at the General Hospital and private clinic, using three different forms of transtelephonic monitors. The total population were 1715 males and 1719 females with average age of 52.2 +/- 28.8 years. 26.9% had was present in history of systemic hypertension, non-insulin dependent diabetes 12.3% and myocardial ischemic disease in 5.3%. The main ECG indications were chest pain 38.7%, most of them atypical angina, palpitations in 6.9% and dyspnea in 6.5%. 50.1% of the ECG were abnormal. The most important diagnosis were: tachyarrhythmias (25.2%), intraventricular conduction abnormalities (17.7%), myocardial ischemic disease (16%), and premature ventricular and supraventricular beats (11.6%). We concluded that the transtelephonic electrocardiographic system is a very useful method, and available now in Mexico. We detected a high percentage of electrocardiographic abnormalities, it was possible to give the right diagnosis of arrhythmias, acute myocardial infarction, old infarction, and to evaluate the pacemaker functionality. Finally, it helped to get in brief time the diagnosis and treatment in cases of acute myocardial infarction or severe arrhythmias.