THE INCIDENCE OF CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA USING TRANS-TELEPHONIC, PORTABLE ECG RECORDER IN OUT-PATIENTS FACULTY OF MEDICINE RAMATHIBODI HOSPITAL

Abstract

          The objectives of this study were to explore incidence of cardiac arrhythmia using Trans-Telephonic, ECG recorder in out-patients and to explore time to first symptomatic episode. The participants were 117 persons (52.7 ± 17.1 years, 64.1% women) who visited outpatient clinic Ramathibodi hospital and were purposively selected. Research instrument in this study were the personal data questionnaire and the record form of incidence of cardiac arrhythmia using Trans-Telephonic ECG recorder. The results from 387 ECGs (Average 2.88 ECGs/person, SD = 3.55, Range 0 – 21) revealed that normal sinus rhythm was found mostly 46%. Top 5 of cardiac arrhythmias were documented at the time of symptoms: sinus tachycardia 43.5%, premature atrial contraction 17.7%, premature ventricular contraction 14.3%, sinus bradycardia 11.5% and atrial fibrillation 8.6%. Presenting symptom were tachycardia 94% palpitation 83.8% dyspnea 51.3% chest pain 19.6% and syncope 14.5%. Mostly activities during symptom were no activity 68.4%, sleep 55.6% and work 25.6%.The mean time until the first symptomatic episode occurred 0n average after 6.88 ± 7.72 days (median 3 days). The first documented cardiac arrhythmia occurred on average after 9 ± 7.92 days (median 7 day). Conclusion: Trans-telephonic: portable ECGs recorder is effective in the diagnosis of suspected symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias in outpatient clinic. A diagnosis can usually be achieved within 9 days.