DETECTING ARRHYTHMIAS IN ELDERLY PEOPLE (OVER 75 YEARS OF AGE) WITH ECG HOLTER MONITORING COMPARED TO CLASSIC ELECTROCARDIOGRAM
Abstract:
It is common knowledge that people over the age of 75 have a high incidence of arrhythmias.
Materials and methods: 200 patients over the age of 75 were enrolled in the study. All the subjects filled
in a data sheet with the main pathological data; afterward, they underwent a standard 12-lead
electrocardiogram and, following planning, a 24-hour Holter monitoring. Results: Atrial fibrillation was
detected in 20% of the patients. 4% of patients had pacemakers (single-chamber demand - VVI 3%, dual
chamber pacing and sensing - DDD 1%). Arrhythmias detected in sinus rhythm subjects consisted in
supraventricular extrasystoles in 8% of the patient and ventricular extrasystoles in 8% of the patients,
too. At the same time, 4% of the patients had first and second degree atrioventricular block. The results
were similar for 24 hours Holter monitoring. In conclusion, 24-hour Holter monitoring is better than the
12-lead electrocardiogram in detecting fast and slow heart rhythm abnormalities in elderly patients.
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