What Diseases Can be Detected by a 24-hour Dynamic Electrocardiogram
A 24-hour dynamic electrocardiogram involves the long-term continuous recording and compilation analysis of the human heart under active and resting states. ECG changes are among the most commonly used clinical examination items, especially in cardiology, making it a routine examination. The following diseases can be detected or prompted by dynamic ECG:
1. Diagnosis of Arrhythmia:
- Many people experience intermittent heart palpitations, which may not be detected by routine hospital ECGs. A 24-hour dynamic ECG significantly increases the probability of finding arrhythmias.
- For known arrhythmias like ventricular premature beats, specific parameters, such as the number of premature beats, existence of multi-source premature ventricular beats, and others, can help determine the nature of the arrhythmia and guide the treatment regimen.
2. Evaluation of Antiarrhythmic Drug Efficacy:
- Patients with arrhythmias, such as premature beats, can review dynamic electrocardiograms after taking antiarrhythmic drugs to evaluate the drug’s efficacy based on the reduction of arrhythmias.
3. Etiological Diagnosis of Syncope:
- Cardiac syncope poses the most significant threat among syncopal events. A 24-hour electrocardiogram examination can identify cardiac factors such as cardiac arrest, slow heart rate, high-degree conduction block, and rapid arrhythmia.
4. Auxiliary Diagnosis of Coronary Heart Disease:
- In patients with chest pain, where the association with myocardial ischemia is unclear during hospital ECGs, Holter electrocardiography records dynamic ST-T changes over 24 hours. This aids in evaluating the correlation between ST-T changes and the occurrence of heart pain symptoms and detects asymptomatic myocardial ischemic events.
2. How to Perform a 24-hour Dynamic Electrocardiogram:
1. Equipment Requirements:
- A small ECG recorder and an analyzer instrument are necessary for a 24-hour dynamic electrocardiogram.
- The ECG recorder is carried by the patient to record their heart state during daily activities, and the results are analyzed on the analyzer to evaluate overall heart rate.
2. Communication with the Doctor:
- Before starting the 24-hour dynamic electrocardiogram, communicate with the doctor to determine the necessary procedures and ensure that the patient meets the physical requirements.
3. Procedure:
- Attach electrode pads to the chest with tape and connect them to the small ECG recorder using wires.
- The small ECG recorder is portable and can be carried obliquely or around the neck without affecting daily life.
- After wearing the recorder, the patient can go home and return to the hospital after 24 hours or more for removal.
III. Precautions for Holter Monitoring:
On the day of the examination, wear loose cotton underwear, and if allergic to tape, take anti-allergic drugs in advance. Avoid bathing during the examination and minimize sweating.
Keep the skin in contact with the recorder clean, dry, and infection-free. Avoid the pacemaker position if present, ensuring electrodes are close to the skin.
During dynamic ECG monitoring, avoid other special examinations, strong currents, magnetic fields, and high-frequency electrical appliances.
After wearing the recorder, avoid strenuous exercise, especially of the upper extremities, and follow guidance regarding exercise intensity.
Avoid collision and pulling of electrode wires to prevent interference with data output.
When sleeping, lie on your back or right side, avoiding stomach or left side positions. Do not squeeze the recording box.
If symptoms occur during wearing the dynamic ECG, record the time and details, aiding in diagnosis and analysis.