[Quality assurance in cardiology: ergometry/long-term ECG]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Non-invasive cardiac diagnostics

Context:

• Exercise testing and Holter monitoring are frequently performed non-invasive cardiological examinations.
• These procedures are utilized by cardiologists, general practitioners, and internists.
• Established recommendations exist from the European Society of Cardiology and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association.

Purpose:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of exercise testing and Holter monitoring based on existing guidelines.
• To detail the prerequisites, indications, procedural standards, and result interpretation for these diagnostic methods.
• To facilitate the establishment and control of quality standards in non-invasive cardiology.

Summary:

• This manuscript surveys the prerequisites, indications, procedural standards ('lege artis'), and interpretation of exercise testing and Holter monitoring.
• It is based on recommendations from major cardiology societies.
• The document aims to guide practitioners in performing these common non-invasive cardiac examinations.

Impact:

• Aims to standardize the application and interpretation of exercise testing and Holter monitoring.
• Provides a resource for healthcare professionals, including general practitioners and internists.
• Facilitates quality control for non-invasive cardiological diagnostics.