Prolonged ECG monitoring: indications for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation diagnostics in coronary heart disease patients

Abstract

The authors analyze prolonged ECG monitoring indications for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) diagnostics. Two groups of coronary heart disease (CRT)) patients were examined. Group I included 90 patients with AF paroxysms diagnosed during three-day ECG monitoring; Group II - 90 patients without AF paroxysms in anamnesis or during ECG monitoring. In Group I, AF paroxysm incidence increased by 10 % during two-day monitoring, and by 18 % - during three-day monitoring, comparing to 24-hour monitoring. In Group I, comparing to Group II, more single, paired and grouped extrasystoles were registered (p < 0,001), as well as increased P wave duration (p < 0,001) on standard ECG. AF paroxysm incidence during prolonged ECG monitoring, including the above-mentioned signs, was 86. 7 %. Therefore, 24-hour ECG monitoring data and P wave duration on standard ECG might help to identify the patients in need for prolonged ECG monitoring and AF paroxysm diagnostics.