Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of Ventricular Arrhythmias on 24-Hour Ambulatory Electrocardiographic Monitoring

Abstract

Background Premature ventricular complexes may occur in normal individuals. Its clinical significance depends on whether it is frequent and the presence of risk factors for coronary artery disease. Studies have shown that frequent ventricular ectopic activity coupled with significant risk factors for coronary heart disease carry adverse prognostic implication in healthy individuals without obvious structural heart disease. This study examined the prevalence and clinical correlates of ventricular arrhythmias in individuals without apparent heart disease. Method 24-Hour ambulatory electrocardiogram was recorded in 60 apparently healthy subjects with normal echocardiography findings. Premature ventricular complex was analyzed and quantified in each subject. Results Premature ventricular complex was present in 27 (45%) subjects. None of the subjects had ventricular couplets or non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. The observed premature ventricular complexes were all unifocal and infrequent (< 30 PVC/hour). Conclusion This study suggests that frequent premature ventricular complexes are not uncommon in healthy individuals without clinical evidence of organic heart disease and obvious risk factors for coronary artery disease. However, further studies are needed to further confirm the implications of these findings. Keywords: premature ventricular complex, ventricular arrhythmias, Holter monitor,Electrocardiography.