Continuous ST-segment Monitoring Research Articles

Updated Practice Standards for ECG Monitoring: Impact at the Bedside

Any trigger for notifying the health care provider depends on the patient, as well as the expectations for a given setting. Patients vary in their responses to arrhythmias. A consistent message is that any hemodynamically unstable patient should have continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring. Each unit should consider having preset default heart rate parameters to guide provider notification. These decisions are based on discussion with all stakeholders, including providers and nurses.Consider why your patient may have an elevated cardiac troponin level and no chest pain. Does the patient have neuropathy and, therefore, may not sense angina? Is the patient unable to communicate because of impaired mental status, a language barrier, intubation, or sedation? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, your patient may benefit from continuous ST-segment monitoring. The current highest recommendation for continuous ST-segment monitoring is a IIa (ie, it is reasonable to perform the procedure, but more evidence is needed) in selected patients in a nursing unit with technology for continuous 12-lead ST-segment monitoring and related education and protocols that facilitate reduction of false and nonactionable alarm signals.Because the QT interval can often be measured successfully in all leads, prioritize monitoring the ST segment in the lead with known ST-segment depression or elevation. For example, if the patient had ST-segment changes in a particular lead during a myocardial infarction or balloon inflation during percutaneous coronary intervention, choose that lead; if the patient returns after a successful revascularization, select the lead in which the patient had previously demonstrated ST changes. If the patient is having wide QRS tachycardia, monitor lead V1 to distinguish ventricular tachycardia from supraventricular tachycardia with aberrancy.Dispelling this belief requires a change in unit culture. This change includes considering other types of monitoring such as continuous pulse oximetry instead of ECG monitoring using telemetry. Also consider changing the name of a unit from telemetry unit to progressive care unit or step-down unit. Patients may not need telemetry monitoring on these units, but still need qualified nurses who can provide care for complex airway issues and vascular procedures.

Sudden cardiac death preceded by ST segment elevations during ECG patch monitoring

A 58-year-old male underwent ambulatory ECG monitoring with continuous patch monitoring (Zio XT Patch) for the complaint of episodic dyspnea. In the period of monitoring the patient suffered sudden cardiac death (SCD) with continuous ECG recording showing pronounced ST segment elevations followed by bradycardia and death. This report highlights the growing potential of continuous ST segment monitoring, and features the infrequent entity of ischemic electromechanical dissociation with bradyarrhythmia as a cause of SCD.

The Value of Continuous ST-Segment Monitoring in the Emergency Department.

Practice standards for electrocardiographic monitoring recommend continuous ST-segment monitoring (C-STM) in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with signs and/or symptoms of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but few studies have evaluated its use in the ED. We compared time to diagnosis and 30-day adverse events before and after implementation of C-STM. We also evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of C-STM in detecting ischemia and infarction. We prospectively studied 163 adults (preintervention: n = 78; intervention: n = 85) in a single ED and stratified them into low (n = 51), intermediate (n = 100), or high (n = 12) risk using History, ECG, Age, Risk factors, and Troponin (HEART) scores. The principal investigator monitored participants, activating C-STM on bedside monitors in the intervention phase. We used likelihood ratios (LRs) as the measure of diagnostic accuracy. Overall, 9% of participants were diagnosed with ACS. Median time to diagnosis did not differ before and after implementation of C-STM (5.55 vs. 5.98 hr; p = 0.43). In risk-stratified analyses, no significant pre-/postdifference in time to diagnosis was found in low-, intermediate-, or high-risk participants. There was no difference in the rate of 30-day adverse events before versus after C-STM implementation (11.5% vs. 10.6%; p = 0.85). The +LR and -LR of C-STM for ischemia were 24.0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4, 412.0) and 0.3 (95% CI: 0.02, 2.9), respectively, and for infarction were 13.7 (95% CI: 1.7, 112.3) and 0.7 (95% CI: 0.3, 1.5), respectively. Use of C-STM did not provide added diagnostic benefit for patients with signs and/or symptoms of myocardial ischemia in the ED.

Abstract 17595: The Value of Continuous ST-Segment Monitoring in the Emergency Department: a Quasi-Experimental Pre-Post Study

Purpose: The AHA Practice Standards for ECG Monitoring recommend continuous ST-segment monitoring (C-STM) in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with signs and/or symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but few studies have evaluated its use in the ED. Our aims were to compare the time to diagnosis and 30-day adverse events (return to the ED with signs and/or symptoms of ACS, hospital admission, acute myocardial infarction, use of reperfusion therapy, or mortality) before and after implementation of C-STM. We also evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of C-STM in detecting ischemia or infarction, using stress test and troponin I results as reference standards. Methods: We prospectively studied 163 adults (pre-intervention phase: n=78; intervention phase: n=85) in the ED at a single hospital. We stratified patients into low (n=51), intermediate (n=100), or high (n=12) risk using HEART scores. The principal investigator monitored participants, activating C-STM on bedside monitors in the intervention phase. We used likelihood ratios (LRs) as the measure of diagnostic accuracy. By convention, a positive (+) LR is diagnostic at >10 and a negative (-) LR at <0.1. Results: Overall, 9% of patients were diagnosed with ACS. There was no significant difference in median time to ACS diagnosis before and after implementation of C-STM (5.55 vs. 5.98 hours; p=0.43 for Mann-Whitney U test). In risk-stratified analyses, no significant pre-post difference in time to ACS diagnosis was found in low-, intermediate-, or high-risk patients. There was no difference in the rate of any 30-day adverse event before vs. after C-STM implementation (11.5% vs. 10.6%; p=0.85 Chi-squared test). None of 3 episodes of ST-segment changes on C-STM represented ACS. The +LR and -LR of C-STM for ischemia were 24.0 (95% CI 1.4 - 412.0) and 0.3 (95% CI 0.02 - 2.9), respectively; and for infarction were 13.7 (95% CI 1.7 - 112.3) and 0.7 (95% CI 0.3 - 1.5), respectively. Conclusion: In this sample of mainly low- to intermediate-risk patients, use of C-STM did not improve time to diagnosis or 30-day adverse outcomes, nor provide much benefit in detecting myocardial ischemia or infarction. Use of C-STM may need to be re-evaluated for patients with low to intermediate risk for ACS in the ED.

Improving Nurses’ Knowledge of Continuous ST-Segment Monitoring

Background:Continuous ST-segment monitoring can result in detection of myocardial ischemia, but in clinical practice, continuous ST-segment monitoring is conducted incorrectly and underused by many registered nurses (RNs). Many RNs are unable to correctly institute ST-segment monitoring guidelines because of a lack of education.Purpose:To evaluate whether an educational intervention, provided to 32 RNs, increases knowledge and correct clinical decision making (CDM) for the use of continuous ST-segment monitoring.Methods:At a single institution, an ST-segment monitoring class was provided to RNs in 2 cardiovascular units. Knowledge and correct CDM instruments were used for a baseline pretest and subsequent posttest after ST-segment monitoring education.Results:Statistical significance between pretest and posttest scores for knowledge and correct CDM practice was noted with dependent t tests (P = .0001).Conclusions:Many RNs responsible for electrocardiographic monitoring are not aware of evidence-based ST-segment monitoring practice guidelines and cannot properly place precordial leads needed for ST-segment monitoring. Knowledge and correct CDM with ST-segment monitoring can be improved with focused education.

Improving nurses' knowledge of continuous ST-segment monitoring.

Continuous ST-segment monitoring can result in detection of myocardial ischemia, but in clinical practice, continuous ST-segment monitoring is conducted incorrectly and underused by many registered nurses (RNs). Many RNs are unable to correctly institute ST-segment monitoring guidelines because of a lack of education. To evaluate whether an educational intervention, provided to 32 RNs, increases knowledge and correct clinical decision making (CDM) for the use of continuous ST-segment monitoring. At a single institution, an ST-segment monitoring class was provided to RNs in 2 cardiovascular units. Knowledge and correct CDM instruments were used for a baseline pretest and subsequent posttest after ST-segment monitoring education. Statistical significance between pretest and posttest scores for knowledge and correct CDM practice was noted with dependent t tests (P = .0001). Many RNs responsible for electrocardiographic monitoring are not aware of evidence-based ST-segment monitoring practice guidelines and cannot properly place precordial leads needed for ST-segment monitoring. Knowledge and correct CDM with ST-segment monitoring can be improved with focused education.

Detecting myocardial ischemia with continuous ST-segment monitoring: Two case studies

Continuous ST-segment ischemia monitoring is recommended for patients at significant risk for myocardial ischemia that, if sustained, may result in acute myocardial infarction or extension of a myocardial infarction. It is especially useful for patients who do not perceive or cannot communicate symptoms of ischemia. We report 2 case studies of young women with acute coronary syndrome who benefited from continuous ST-segment monitoring. One patient was critically ill and unresponsive, and one patient had atypical symptoms and some difficulty communicating clearly.

Does Continuous ST-Segment Monitoring Add Prognostic Information to the TIMI, PURSUIT, and GRACE Risk Scores?

Recurrent ischemia is frequent in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NST-ACS), and portends a worse prognosis. Continuous ST-segment monitoring (CSTM) reflects the dynamic nature of ischemia and allows the detection of silent episodes. The aim of this study is to investigate whether CSTM adds prognostic information to the risk scores (RS) currently used. We studied 234 patients with NST-ACS in whom CSTM was performed in the first 24 hours after admission. An ST episode was defined as a transient ST-segment deviation in ≥1 lead of ≥ 0.1 mV, and persisting ≥1 minute. Three RS were calculated: Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI; for NST-ACS), Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa in Unstable angina: Receptor Supression Using Integrilin (PURSUIT; death/MI model), and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE). The end point was defined as death or nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), during 1-year follow-up. ST episodes were detected in 54 patients (23.1%) and associated with worse 1-year outcome: 25.9% end point rate versus 12.2% (Odds Ratio [OR]= 2.51; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.18-5, 35; P = 0.026). All three RS predicted 1-year outcome, but the GRACE (c-statistic = 0.755; 95% CI, 0.695-0.809) was superior to both TIMI (c-statistic = 0.632; 95% CI, 0.567-0.694) and PURSUIT (c-statistic = 0.644; 95% CI: 0.579-0.706). A GRACE RS > 124 showed the highest accuracy for predicting end point. The presence of ST episodes added independent prognostic information the TIMI RS (hazard ratio [HR]= 2.23; 95% CI, 1.13-4.38) and to PURSUIT RS (HR = 2.03; 95% CI, 1.03-3.98), but not to the GRACE RS. CSTM provides incremental prognostic information beyond the TIMI and PURSUIT RS, but not the GRACE risk score. Hence, the GRACE risk score should be the preferred stratification model in daily practice.

Continuous ST-Segment Monitoring: Nurses’ Attitudes, Practices, and Quality of Patient Care

Continuous ischemia monitoring helps identify patients with acute, but often silent, myocardial ischemia. Evidence suggests nurses do not activate ischemia monitoring because they think it is difficult to use. ST-Map software incorporates graphic displays to make monitoring of ongoing ischemia easier. To determine if nurses' use of and attitude toward ischemia monitoring and the quality of patient care improve with use of ST-Map. The study included 61 nurses and 202 patients with acute coronary syndrome in a cardiac intensive care unit. Baseline data on nurses' use of and attitude toward ischemia monitoring and quality of care were obtained. Education was then provided and ST-Map software was installed on all monitors. Follow-up data were obtained 4 months later. The percentage of nurses who had ever used ischemia monitoring was 13% before ST Map and 90% afterward (P < .001). The most common reason for not using ischemia monitoring before ST Map was inadequate knowledge (62%). The most common reason for liking ischemia monitoring after ST Map was knowing when a patient has ischemia (80%). Time to acquisition of a 12-lead electrocardiogram in response to symptoms or ST-segment changes was 5 to 15 minutes before ST Map and always less than 5 minutes afterward (P < .001). Time to return to the catheterization laboratory did not differ before and after ST Map. ST Map was associated with more frequent use of ischemia monitoring, improved attitudes of nurses toward ischemia monitoring, and shorter time to obtaining 12-lead electrocardiograms.

Continuous ST-Segment Monitoring

Continuous ST-Segment Monitoring

A Simple Strategy Improves Prehospital Electrocardiogram Utilization and Hospital Treatment for Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (from the ST SMART Study)

Although the American Heart Association recommends a prehospital electrocardiogram (ECG) be recorded for all patients who access the emergency medical system with symptoms of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), widespread use of prehospital ECG has not been achieved in the United States. A 5-year prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted in a predominately rural county in northern California to test a simple strategy for acquiring and transmitting prehospital ECGs that involved minimal paramedic training and decision making. A 12-lead ECG was synthesized from 5 electrodes and continuous ST-segment monitoring was performed with ST-event ECGs automatically transmitted to the destination hospital emergency department. Patients randomized to the experimental group had their ECGs printed out in the emergency department with an audible voice alarm, whereas control patients had an ECG after hospital arrival, as was the standard of care in the county. The result was that nearly 3/4 (74%) of 4,219 patients with symptoms of ACS over the 4-year study enrollment period had a prehospital ECG. Mean time from 911 call to first ECG was 20 minutes in those with a prehospital ECG versus 79 minutes in those without a prehospital ECG (p <0.0001). Mean paramedic scene time in patients with a prehospital ECG was just 2 minutes longer than in those without a prehospital ECG (95% confidence interval 1.2 to 3.6, p <0.001). Patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction or unstable angina pectoris had a faster time to first intravenous drug and there was a suggested trend for a faster door-to-balloon time and lower risk of mortality in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. In conclusion, increased paramedic use of prehospital ECGs and decreased hospital treatment times for ACS are feasible with a simple approach tailored to characteristics of a local geographic region.

Relation Between Hemoglobin Level and Recurrent Myocardial Ischemia in Acute Coronary Syndromes Detected by Continuous Electrocardiographic Monitoring

Anemia has been associated with adverse outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms have not been well elucidated. We sought to determine the independent relation between the hemoglobin level and recurrent ischemia in patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS using continuous electrocardiographic monitoring. In the Integrilin and Enoxaparin Randomized Assessment of Acute Coronary Syndrome Treatment (INTERACT) trial, 746 patients presenting with non-ST-segment elevation ACS underwent continuous ST-segment monitoring for 48 hours. The data were analyzed independently at a core laboratory. We stratified the study population according to their hemoglobin level on presentation. The primary outcome of the study was recurrent ischemia, defined as ST-segment shifts on continuous electrocardiographic monitoring. Of the 705 patients with analyzable data, 64 had a baseline hemoglobin level <120 g/L, 259 had a level of 120 to 139 g/L, 315 had a level of 140 to 159 g/L, and 67 had a level >160 g/L. The corresponding rates of recurrent ischemia were 39.1%, 22.0%, 15.6%, and 11.9% (p for trend <0.001). A lower hemoglobin level was associated with advanced age, co-morbidities, and a higher GRACE risk score. In multivariable analysis adjusting for these confounders, lower hemoglobin levels retained a significant independent association with recurrent ischemia (p for trend = 0.004). In conclusion, a lower hemoglobin level at presentation was independently associated with recurrent ischemia detected by continuous electrocardiographic monitoring in the setting of non-ST-segment elevation ACS. This suggests that anemia might predispose patients to recurrent ischemia, which could be an important underlying mediator of worse outcomes in patients with lower hemoglobin levels.

Continuous ST-Segment Monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit

This article provides evidence-based rationales to substantiate revisions of current monitoring practices and to provide realistic strategies for implementation of new practices.

Using continuous ST-segment monitoring

Using continuous ST-segment monitoring

National Survey of Cardiologists’ Standard of Practice for Continuous ST-Segment Monitoring

Continuous ST-segment monitoring can be used to detect early and transient cardiac ischemia. The American Heart Association and American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recommend its use among specific patients, but such monitoring is routine practice in only about half of US hospitals. To determine cardiologists' awareness and practice standards regarding continuous ST-segment monitoring and the physicians' perceptions of appropriate patient selection, benefits and barriers, and usefulness of this technology. An electronic survey was sent to a random sample of 915 US cardiologists from a pool of 4985 certified cardiologists. Of 200 responding cardiologists, 55% were unaware of the consensus guidelines. Of hospitals where respondents admitted patients, 49% had a standard of practice for using continuous ST-segment monitoring for cardiac patients. Most cardiologists agreed or strongly agreed that patients in the cardiovascular laboratory (87.5%) and intensive care unit (80.5%) should have such monitoring. Cardiologists routinely ordered ST monitoring for patients with acute coronary syndrome (67%) and after percutaneous coronary intervention (60%). The primary factor associated with higher perceptions for benefits, clinical usefulness, and past use of continuous ST-segment monitoring was whether or not hospitals in which cardiologists practiced had a standard of practice for using this monitoring. A secondary factor was awareness of published consensus guidelines for such monitoring. Respondents (55%) were unaware of published monitoring guidelines. Hospital leaders could raise awareness by multidisciplinary review of evidence and possibly incorporating continuous ST-segment monitoring into hospitals' standards of practice.

Ischemic ST-segment episodes during the initial 24 hours of ST elevation myocardial infarction predict prognosis at 1 and 5 years

Objectives The aims of the study were to assess the prognostic value of recurrent ischemic episodes during the first 24 hours in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with thrombolysis and to explore those episodes as a part of a low-risk prognostic feature. Design Two hundred twenty patients with STEMI treated with thrombolysis were monitored for 24 hours with continuous online vectorcardiography assessing ST vector changes to record recurrent ischemic events. Results Ischemic events measured as an increase in ST-change vector magnitude (STC-VM) more than 50 μV for at least 2 minutes during 4- to 24-hour predicted mortality in a 5-year follow-up based on a multivariable analysis (hazard ratio, 1.18/episode; confidence interval, 1.01-1.37). The more episodes there were, the worse the prognosis. A low-risk group with a 1-year mortality of 1.9% could be identified. Conclusion Continuous ST-segment monitoring during the first 24 hours of a myocardial infarction is a valuable tool for identifying high- and low-risk patients. The STC-VM events during 4 to 24 hours of the first day of a myocardial infarction predict mortality within 5 years.

Continuous ST-Segment Monitoring: 3 Case Studies in Progressive Care

Continuous ST-Segment Monitoring: 3 Case Studies in Progressive Care

Continuous ST-Segment Monitoring: Protocol for Practice

Continuous ST-Segment Monitoring: Protocol for Practice

When and why to use continuous ST-segment monitoring

Monitoring the ST segment for silent myocardial ischemia is potentially lifesaving but widely underused. Find out who should be monitored and how to prepare your patient.

Improve practice for continuous ST segment monitoring

Improve practice for continuous ST segment monitoring