event monitors

[billy d]

Can you tell me how much information can be obtained from an loop event recorder with two leads. I would'nt think that it would be as revealing as a regular EKG. Also am confused about the terminology of the reports. I had one and had multiform pvc's uniform pvc's trigeminy, bigeminy and escape beats (not all at the same time) and one non-sustained (5 beat VT) Told no worries due to normal stress test and echo but any insight into the event recorders would be appreciated. The one I used recorded 5 minutes and then was played back. Do any record longer ?

Thanks

Bill

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear Bill,

You are right that not all the information available from a 12 lead is available from a loop recorder, however the most important information (the rhythm) is obtainable from a loop recorder.  In other words the reason to order a loop recorder is to try to determine if there is a dangerous rhythm causing symptoms.  This information is readily obtainable from a loop recorder.

The terminology you describe are all variations of PVCs and relate to their relationship to the other beats and their frequency. I would agree with your doctors that in the setting of a normal stress test and echo these beats probably do not pose any threat.

I'm not sure whether there are recorders that take longer loops but usually 5 minutes is enough to exclude a dangerous arrhythmia.

[chris]

I'm also concerned. I had a 24 hr holter recently and the findings worry me. SVE total: 14. SV-run total: 1. SV run: 6 beats at 9:27. Max HR SV-run: 110 bpm at 9:27.(I am on 50 mg of Atenolol daily). Aren't SV run's dangerous? I also showed frequent bradycardia minimum HR being 32 at various times, some while awake! I believe this is due to the Atenolol and combination of exercise (I run 3-4 miles 5x a week). Should I cut back on atenolol due to the low heart rate? I'm only 34 and have had negative echo-stress(mitral & tricuspid regurgitation +1), negative MRI, negative stress, negative high speed calcium CAT scan (results: 0 plaque), also cholesterol is 141 with hdl/ldl ratio of 1:1. Given my negative findings should I worry about the SV runs? I also get atypical chest pain that is very severe but happens in a split second, coming and going that fast. Doc says cardiac chest pain is not like this, but it feels very cardiac and stops me in my tracks,. but is never prolonged. Anyone out there have any ideas? I've tried to post but had no luck. Thanks to anyone who may be able to help me.

[Anne]

Hi,

I have used both 3 lead and 2 lead event monitors in the past.  The results seem to be sufficient for the doctors to make a accurate diagnosis.  
In the event of the 3 lead, it recorded for only 30 seconds before and after ... on the 2 lead, mine recorded one minute before and after.

Best wishes,
Anne

[RAYMOND K.]

NEXT WEEK I AM SCHEDULED TO HAVE A PACE MAKER PLACED IN MY ATRIUM AND VENTRICAL. I HAVE CHF, CARDIOMYOPATHY, MITRAL VALVE WAS REPLACED 1 YEAR AGO, GOUT,HYPOTHYROIDISM, ATRIAL FIBULATION.
I AM SUFFERING WITH DIZZINESS LOW B/P FLUIDBUILD UP INMY ABDOMEN AND LEGS. I NEED HELP. IS THERE ANY ONE WHO HAS HAD A PACEMAKER THAT CAN TELL ME WHAT I CAN EXPECT FROM A PERSONAL POINT OF VIEW. I WAS TOLD THAT MY HEAR WOULD FUNCTION BETTER WITH THE PACE MAKER?
IS THERE INFOMATION I CAN GET REGARDING A PACEMAKER? MY MD THINKS THIS WILL HELP ME. IHAVE GONE THR CARDIAC CONVERSION FOR MY ATRIA FIB AND WAS SUCCESSFULLY CONVERTED ONCE. NOW I AM BACK IN ATRIAL FIB. I AM 36 YEARS OLD.

[jifizap]

I have a pacemaker\defibrillator, and am paced 90% of the time.  I cannot even tell when I am paced and when I'm not.  My pacemaker is set to keep my heart rate at 75.  I would think it would help your dizziness.  Before they turned my pacemaker up, my heart rate would go down to 49-52 (it was set to kick in when my heart rate got down to 50).  I know many people have heart rates that low, but I would feel terrible, shaky, and dizzy when it would get that low.  I feel much better now that it keeps my heart rate at 75 - I hope you get as good results.  Good luck.

[marie]

This comment is to Christ.  I too suffer from some irregular heart beats and have been told that since the echo and stress show a healthy heart it is OK to experience these rhythms.  I was wondering if you ever experience them while running.  I too am a runner and I am starting to train for my first marathon.  It really scares me when I have skipped beats or PVC's while I'm running.  I just was wondering if you or anyone else that reads this also experiences the scary beats while running or with exercise.  Thanks!

Marie

[chris]

Marie,

Thanks for the response. Had chest pain again today only for a few seconds, but it happened twice! Went to new cardio who put me on 120mg Cardizem and reduced my atenolol to 25mg to see if this might be some kind of cardiac spasm. I would love to hear from anyone who takes atenolol and cardizem and if there are any adverse side effects because I run 4x a week and already have occasional resting heart rates as low as 32 bpm on 50 mg Atenolol. Hopefully cutting it in half and adding the cardizem will eleviate these strange sudden chest pains that happen only at rest. Anyone with any advice can e-mail me at: ***@****.
Marie, to answer your question: I have rarely experienced irregular beats while running, but have once on the bike in the gym. Generally I wouldn't be concerned if you've had negative results with your tests. But I know they're scary!If you can run a marathon you should be ok. Keep me updated on you're progress.
All the best to everyone out there!