Holter Examination Research Articles

Evaluation of cardiac clues in patients admitted to pediatric cardiology outpatient clinic with syncope

Background: In our study, we aimed to determine the incidence rates of children admitted to the pediatric cardiology outpatient clinic with syncope according to their etiologies; and especially to reveal the clues that distinguish cardiac syncope cases from other cases. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted by obtaining the information of 795 children aged 5-17 years who were diagnosed with syncope in the pediatric cardiology outpatient clinic of our tertiary university hospital between 01.01.2021 and 01.06.2024 from the data in our hospital automation system. Medical history of the patient and his/her family, syncopal event, physical examination findings, 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, 24-hour rhythm holter and exercise ECG records were analyzed. Results: Cardiac syncope was 14.5% (10.8% arrhythmia and 3.7% structural heart disease) while noncardiac syncope was 85.5% (VVS 60.6%, OH 18.6%, situational 1% and 4.8% idiopathic). The most common conditions associated with cardiac syncope were a history of arrhythmia and heart disease, a family history of sudden death at a young age, and syncope associated with exercise-palpitations-chest pain. Rhythm holter test had a low diagnostic rate, while exercise ECG test had a high diagnostic rate. Conclusion: It is important to diagnose cardiac syncope as it can cause sudden death. Standard 12-lead ECG, echocardiography and rhythm holter examination should be performed in all suspected patients; exercise ECG, head-up tilt test, genetic arrhythmia/cardiomyopathy investigations and electrophysiologic study should be performed in selected cases. In addition, simultaneous ECG monitoring during electroencephalography (EEG) examination in patients presenting with atonic seizures will be very useful in terms of clarifying the etiology.

Leisure-time physical activity and the incidence of atrial fibrillation in senior adults: a prospective cohort study.

Whether physical activity could reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. This study was to investigate the relationship of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) with AF incidence among Chinese older adults. A total of 3253 participants aged ≥60years from the Guangzhou Heart Study were successfully followed between March 2018 and September 2019. LTPA was assessed using a modified Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. AF was ascertained by 12-lead electrocardiograms, 24-hour single-lead Holter and clinical examination. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to the estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) after adjustment for confounders, and the population-attributable fraction (PAF) was estimated. A total of 76 (2.34%) new-onset cases of AF were identified during a median of 31.13months of follow-up. After adjustment for confounders, subjects who had LTPA at least 10.0 metabolic equivalent (MET)-hours/week had a 55% lower risk of developing AF (HR: 0.45, 95%CI: 0.25-0.81), and at least 20 MET-hours/week reduced the risk by 45% (HR: 0.55, 95%CI: 0.34-0.92). At least 11% (PAF: 11%, 95%CI: 0%-20%) or 14% (PAF: 14%, 95%CI: 0%-26%) of AF cases could be avoided, respectively, if the subjects do LTPA at least 10 MET-hours/week or 20 MET-hours/week. A significant exposure-response trend was also observed between LTPA and AF risk (Plinear-trend = 0.002). For a specific LTPA, doing housework was associated with a 43% reduced risk, while engaging in ball games was associated with an increased risk. This prospective cohort study indicated that a higher LTPA volume was associated with a lower AF risk in Chinese older adults.

Efficacy and safety of a novel hexaspline pulsed field ablation system in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: the PLEASE-AF study.

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is an emerging non-thermal ablative modality demonstrating considerable promise for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, these PFA trials have almost universally included only Caucasian populations, with little data on its effect on other races/ethnicities. The PLEASE-AF trial sought to study the 12-month efficacy and the safety of a multi-electrode hexaspline PFA catheter in treating a predominantly Asian/Chinese population of patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal AF. Patients underwent pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) by delivering different pulse intensities at the PV ostium (1800 V) and atrium (2000 V). Acute success was defined as no PV potentials and entrance/exit conduction block of all PVs after a 20-min waiting period. Follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months included 12-lead electrocardiogram and 24-h Holter examinations. The primary efficacy endpoint was 12-month freedom from any atrial arrhythmias lasting at least 30 s. The cohort included 143 patients from 12 hospitals treated by 28 operators: age 60.2 ± 10.0 years, 65.7% male, Asian/Chinese 100%, and left atrial diameter 36.6 ± 4.9 mm. All PVs (565/565, 100%) were successfully isolated. The total procedure, catheter dwell, total PFA application, and total fluoroscopy times were 123.5 ± 38.8 min, 63.0 ± 30.7 min, 169.7 ± 34.6 s, and 27.3 ± 10.1 min, respectively. The primary endpoint was observed in 124 of 143 patients (86.7%). One patient (0.7%) developed a small pericardial effusion 1-month post-procedure, not requiring intervention. The novel hexaspline PFA catheter demonstrated universal acute PVI with an excellent safety profile and promising 12-month freedom from recurrent atrial arrhythmias in an Asian/Chinese population with paroxysmal AF. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05114954.

Observational Study on Cardiac Activity in Rescue Dogs with Holter and Electrocardiogram Methodologies during a Simulated Search Activity.

The aim of this study was to observe electric cardiac activity in real working conditions, with the application of Holter and the electrocardiogram in search and rescue dogs. Thirty-one handlers of search and rescue dogs voluntarily participated in this study. Nine dogs were selected to wear the Holter, and twenty-three were submitted to electrocardiographic recordings (one dog, excluded by Holter examination, was then included in the ECG group). Our results showed few cardiac rhythm alterations, such as escape beats, premature ventricular beat, and depression and elevation of the ST segment, particularly during the working phase in the Holter group and during recovery time immediately after activity in the electrocardiographic group. Detected alterations in real working conditions may provide more information than routine checks, and Holter monitoring can be more functional. However, not all dogs tolerate wearing the Holter harness, and more time is thus needed to apply the equipment. In addition, the results are not immediate, and the absence of water is essential because it would damage the equipment.

Atrial Septal Defect with Paroxysmal Atrial Tachyarrhythmia in Middle Age Soldier Patient: A Case Report

Highlights: 1. ASD closure is still recommendable in late middle-aged patients, especially one that is combined with arrhythmias management. 2. ASD closure after age 40 seems to not affect the frequency of arrhythmia development during follow up. - Background: Atrial septal defects (ASDs) are frequently asymptomatic and can remain undiagnosed until adulthood. Atrial tachyarrhythmias are not uncommon seen in patients with ASDs. Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are relatively rare in childhood, but become more prevalent with increasing age at time of repair or closure. Case Summary: The present case was an active duty 50-year-old male soldier, referred to the arrhythmia division of Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital with palpitations and physical intolerance. Holter examination and electrophysiology study revealed atrial tachyarrhythmias. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed before radiofrequency catheter ablation, and unexpectedly found left to right shunt ostium secundum ASD. Right heart catheterization confirmed left to right shunt ASD with high flow-low resistance. He then underwent paroxysmal atrial tachyarrhythmias catheter ablation, followed by percutaneous transcatheter ASD closure using occluder device without fluoroscopy within six months. Both the procedures went well without any complications. His symptoms had improved during follow up, although he had episode of rapid paroxysmal atrial fibrillation on holter evaluation six months later. Conclusion: We conclude that ASD closure is still recommendable even in late middle age patients combined with arrhythmias management.

Clinical features of ischemic stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation combined with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.

Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) are major causes of ischemic stroke. Relatively few studies have focused on the risk factors and clinical features of ischemic stroke caused by NVAF combined with ICAS. We retrospectively evaluated NVAF and/or ICAS in patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted within 72h after stroke. All patients with acute ischemic stroke underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), computed tomography angiography (CTA), and/or digital subtraction angiography (DSA). NVAF was detected by routine electrocardiogram or 24-h Holter examination, Doppler echocardiography, and contrast echocardiography of the right heart. Among the 635 enrolled patients, NVAF, ICAS, and NVAF+ICAS were diagnosed in 170 (26.77%), 255 (40.16%), and 210 (33.07%) patients, respectively. Patients in the NVAF+ICAS group were older (p<.001), specifically aged ≥75 years (p<.001). The admission time of the NVAF+ICAS group was shorter (p<.001) than that of the ICAS group. The admission NIHSS score of the NVAF group was higher than that of the NVAF+ICAS group (p<.001). HsCRP, NTpro-BNP, and LEVF levels were significantly different among the three groups (p<.001). NVAF+ICAS ischemic stroke occurred mainly in the right hemisphere (52.4%). NVAF with ICAS ischemic stroke is more likely to occur in older patients. Infarctions occurred mainly in the right cerebral hemisphere. Neurological deficits in NVAF are more severe than those in NVAF combined with ICAS and in simple ICAS ischemic strokes. HsCRP, LEVF, andNTpro-BNP seem to be closely associated with NVAF+ICAS ischemic stroke.

59. Differential Profiles of Cortisol, Components of Autonomic Nervous System, and Self-Rated Health in Predicting Circadian Variability of Idiopathic Premature Ventricular Contraction Burden

ABSTRACT: Premature ventricular contraction (PVC) patients exhibit specific circadian patterns, yet the lack of circadian rhythm increases the risk of cardiomyopathy. To fully understand the three types of PVC circadian rhythms, we must therefore understand the mechanism of circadian variability, not just of PVC burden. Reflecting on 65 idiopathic PVC patients collecting saliva for cortisol and norepinephrine levels three times daily, undergoing a 24-hour Holter examination, and reporting their morning, afternoon, and evening self-rated health scales; this paper indicates pathways in which psycho-neuro-endocrine physiology and circadian variability in frequency of PVC burden are embodied. Higher cortisol levels and lower parasympathetic nervous system tone are at higher risk of higher burden of fast-type idiopathic PVC. Lower cortisol levels and lower sympathetic nervous system tone are at higher risk of higher burden of slow-type idiopathic PVC. Higher cortisol levels and sympathetic nervous system tone as well as lower self-rated health scales are at higher risk of higher burden of independent-type idiopathic PVC.

Marked PR interval variability in a patient with Brugada syndrome.

To the Editor The authors present a clinical case of a 54-year-old woman without relevant medical history other than Brugada type 1 pattern in the electrocardiogram, without chronic medication, who was referred for the cardiology outpatient clinic with palpitations. She had a strong family history of Brugada syndrome, but no history of sudden death, and she never had syncope. A transthoracic echocardiogram was performed, ruling out structural heart disease. Blood samples were analyzed, without thyroid function or electrolyte abnormalities. A 24-hour Holter examination was performed (digital Philips Zymed Holter, Model 1810 Plus Software, Philips Medical Systems) that revealed nocturnal periods of first-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) with a markedly variable PR interval and without nonconducted P waves; no other abnormalities were seen; the patient was asymptomatic. The P wave and QRS morphology were the same throughout the examination. The PR interval either increased or decreased, but it was always followed by a QRS complex. The number of P waves was the same as the QRS complexes. There was no relation between the PR interval variability and heart rate or circadian predominance. The patient is kept under follow-up in the outpatient clinic, uneventful. No genetic test was performed. First-degree AVB is typically a benign situation1; however, it is associated with increased incidence of atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and mortality during follow-up.2 In some clinical settings, it can even be associated with markedly decreased survival.3 Some data point out that first-degree AVB on a basal ECG is an independent predictor of malignant arrhythmic events in Brugada syndrome (although this association was only demonstrated with first-degree AVB on basal ECG and not on Holter examination).4,5 The PR interval is highly affected by the autonomic nervous system.6-9 Sympathetic activation results in a decrease of the PR interval, whereas parasympathetic activation originates an increase of the PR interval.6,7 Previous studies showed that the increase in PR interval in response to vagal stimulation is well correlated with vagal stimulation frequency and can be regarded as linear.7 The Brugada syndrome is diagnosed in the presence of a spontaneous type 1 pattern in patients without other heart disease, regardless of symptoms.10 It is a genetic sodium-related (INa) channelopathy.10 The most common gene involved is the SCN5A, which is also associated with conduction diseases.11 Sodium currents are responsible for propagation of action potential through the myocardial cells. As patients with Brugada syndrome have reduced INa current, conduction disease is not unexpected to occur, if the SCN5A gene is involved.12 First-degree AVB could represent a marker of increased risk because of a stronger phenotype of INa reduction, leading to increased myocardial electrical instability.5 Other identified risk markers are the localization of type 1 Brugada pattern (Figs. 1 and 2), atrial fibrillation, fragmented QRS, QRS duration >120 ms, R wave in lead aVR, S wave in lead I (≥40 ms, amplitude ≥0.1 mV, area ≥1 mm2), early repolarization pattern in inferolateral leads, ST segment depression, T‐wave alternans, dispersion of repolarization, and Tzou criteria.11 In another recent study, the S wave in lead I was the only independent predictor of persistent risk of life-threatening arrhythmic events.13Figure 1.: ECG revealing sinus rhythm with type 1 Brugada pattern.Figure 2.: (A) Holter revealing sinus rhythm with type 2 Brugada pattern and first-degree AVB with a progressive PR interval prolongation; (B) continuation of previous Holter stripe; and (C) variable PR interval, always followed by a QRS complex. A type 1 Brugada pattern was not present in this examination.The significance of this PR interval variability, with a “harmonic” appearance, is not yet known, as well as its clinical implications.

Abstract 14295: Asymptomatic Frequent Atrial Ectopy in Healthy Children and Adolescents

Introduction: Premature atrial complexes (PACs) in pediatric patients with a structurally normal heart are usually presumed to be benign and self-resolving. On the contrary, adults with frequent PACs are at increased risk of multiple cardiovascular conditions. This study aims to evaluate a group of asymptomatic pediatric subjects with frequent PACs over time. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that, while most pediatric patients with frequent APCs have a benign prognosis there may be a subset that could progress to supraventricular arrhythmias Methods: Records for 343 pediatric patients (1-21 yrs) with asymptomatic frequent premature atrial complexes (&gt;50/24 hours) were selected from 6902 pediatric patients that underwent Holters over a 10 year period. Demographics, pertinent clinical characteristics and results of cardiac investigations were tabulated. Comparisons were made between Holter results at presentation and follow-up. Patients were classified into two groups on follow-up, those with a significant (&gt;20%) reduction in burden of atrial ectopy versus those with an insignificant (&lt;20%) reduction or increase in burden of atrial ectopy. Results: The median age at initial Holter was 8.26 (1.3-20.9) years with a comparable male to female ratio. An irregular heart rate was the most common reason for a Holter. The most common preexisting medical condition was attention deficit disorder, followed by asthma. Follow-up Holters were performed on 188(54.8%) patients at a median of 2.2 (0.5-8) yrs after the first Holter. Overall there was a significant decrease in atrial ectopy burden on repeat Holter examinations; median 3.6% (0.03-18.7) to 0.5% (0-19) with 166 (88.3%) patients demonstrating a decrease in atrial ectopy by over 20% of baseline. Ten (5.3%) patients had an increase in the ectopy burden over time and 12(6.3%) had an insignificant change. Non sustained supraventricular tachycardia was noted in three patients on the initial Holter but none on subsequent evaluations. Multivariate analysis identified a higher initial burden of PACs as a strong independent predictor for reduction in burden of ectopy with time (p&lt;0.005). Conclusions: Asymptomatic childhood PACs in the setting of a structurally normal heart are rare and tend to resolve with time.

Cardiac dysrhythmias among coronavirus-19 recovered symptomatic patients

Abstract Background The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which affected millions of people worldwide, is associated with a chronic fatigue sequela, also known as long-COVID. While various adverse effects of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system were reported, the prolonged sequela of COVID-19 on heart rhythm remains unknown. Aim To describe the prevalence of cardiac dysrhythmias among patients who presented with Long Covid following recovery from COVID-19 infection. Methods We conducted a prospective study among 87 patients who suffered from Long Covid syndrome following recovery from COVID-19 and were treated in the COVID-19 recovery clinic between December 2020 and June 2021. All patients were referred for transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and 24-hour Holter examination. Results The mean age was 52+13 years, and 52 (59.8%) patients were females. Seventy-nine (90.8%) of the patients had normal sinus rhythm without evidence of any arrhythmias. Atrial premature beats were recorded in 70 (80.5%) patients with a median of 6/day (interquartile range 3–20/day; maximum: 5180/day). Ventricular premature beats were recorded in 50 (57.5%) patients with a median of 4/day (interquartile range 2–19/day; maximum: 6847/day). Overall, seven patients (8%) had sustained atrial dysrhythmias: one had atrial fibrillation, one had atrial flutter, and five had atrial tachycardia. Sixty-six (75.9%) patients underwent TTE, which was mainly unremarkable as 65 patients had a normal left ventricular function, and three (4.5%) patients had evidence of pulmonary hypertension. Discussion Cardiac arrhythmias are not uncommon among symptomatic COVID-19 recovered patients. Atrial arrhythmias were most common, with an up to 8% incidence rate. These findings may suggest that atrial dysrhythmias may be associated with long-term symptomatic sequela of COVID-19 infection. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Association of Premature Ventricular Contraction Burden on Serial Holter Monitoring With Arrhythmic Risk in Patients With Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy

A high burden of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) at disease diagnosis has been associated with an overall higher risk of ventricular arrhythmias in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). Data regarding dynamic modification of PVC burden at follow-up with Holter monitoring and its impact on arrhythmic risk in ARVC are scarce. To describe changes in the PVC burden and to assess whether serial Holter monitoring is dynamically associated with sustained ventricular arrhythmias during follow-up in patients with ARVC. In this cohort study, patients with a definite ARVC diagnosis, available Holter monitoring results at disease diagnosis, and at least 2 additional results of Holter monitoring during follow-up were enrolled from 6 ARVC registries in North America and Europe. Data were collected from June 1 to September 15, 2021. The association between prespecified variables retrieved at each Holter monitoring follow-up (ie, overall PVC burden; presence of sudden PVC spikes, defined as absolute increase in PVC burden ≥5000 per 24 hours or a relative ≥75% increase, with an absolute increase of ≥1000 PVCs; presence of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia [NSVT]; and use of β-blockers and class III antiarrhythmic drugs) and sustained ventricular arrhythmias occurring within 12 months after that Holter examination was assessed using a mixed logistical model. In 169 enrolled patients with ARVC (mean [SD] age, 36.3 [15.0] years; 95 men [56.2%]), a total of 723 Holter examinations (median, 4 [IQR, 4-5] per patient) were performed during a median follow-up of 54 (IQR, 42-63) months and detected 75 PVC spikes and 67 sustained ventricular arrhythmias. The PVC burden decreased significantly from the first to the second Holter examination (mean, 2906 [95% CI, 1581-4231] PVCs per 24 hours; P < .001). A model including 24-hour PVC burden (odds ratio [OR] 1.50 [95% CI, 1.10-2.03]; P = .01), PVC spikes (OR, 6.20 [95 CI, 2.74-13.99]; P < .001), and NSVT (OR, 2.29 [95% CI, 1.10-4.51]; P = .03) at each follow-up Holter examination was associated with sustained ventricular arrhythmia occurrence in the following 12 months. These findings suggest that in patients with ARVC, changes in parameters derived from each Holter examination performed during follow-up are associated with the risk of sustained ventricular arrhythmias within 12 months of disease diagnosis.

C40. Early Repolarization Syndrome: The Dangerous One

Abstract Background Early repolarization pattern (ERP) in electrocardiogram (ECG) was thought to be benign in nature. However, for the last 2 decades, several cases reported sudden cardiac deaths (SCD) in patient with ERP. Case Summary A 40-year-old male with a history of several syncope episodes. The latest episode in 2019 at 5 am, a brief convulsion happened before the patient went unconscious. In emergency room, he had another convulsion with a witnessed ventricular fibrillation. After resuscitation and defibrillation, the patient awoke, and ECG was recorded showing ST-segment elevation at V2-3 which suspected to be a Brugada syndrome (BrS). Patient then referred to Sardjito hospital for echocardiography and treadmill test, and the results were within normal limit. Coronary CT Scan showed a non-significant lesion at LAD. Holter examination showed during sleeping, J-wave elevation appeared at the rate of 50 bpm. Meanwhile, during exercise, J-wave disappeared at the rate of 135 bpm. The patient was diagnosed as early repolarization syndrome (ERS) and managed with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation. Discussion Patient with ERP who suffers syncope/cardiac arrest is classified as an ERS. Particular clinical findings such as history of cardiac arrest, convulsion, apnea, and ECG findings such as short coupled premature ventricular contraction, dynamic J-wave changes, widespread J-wave are associated with a higher chance for ventricular arrhythmia. Due to its similar nature in ECG morphology and its pathophysiology, ERS and BrS are classified into J-wave syndrome.

C40. Early Repolarization Syndrome: The Dangerous One

Abstract Background Early repolarization pattern (ERP) in electrocardiogram (ECG) was thought to be benign in nature. However, for the last 2 decades, several cases reported sudden cardiac deaths (SCD) in patient with ERP. Case Summary A 40-year-old male with a history of several syncope episodes. The latest episode in 2019 at 5 am, a brief convulsion happened before the patient went unconscious. In emergency room, he had another convulsion with a witnessed ventricular fibrillation. After resuscitation and defibrillation, the patient awoke, and ECG was recorded showing ST-segment elevation at V2-3 which suspected to be a Brugada syndrome (BrS). Patient then referred to Sardjito hospital for echocardiography and treadmill test, and the results were within normal limit. Coronary CT Scan showed a non-significant lesion at LAD. Holter examination showed during sleeping, J-wave elevation appeared at the rate of 50 bpm. Meanwhile, during exercise, J-wave disappeared at the rate of 135 bpm. The patient was diagnosed as early repolarization syndrome (ERS) and managed with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation. Discussion Patient with ERP who suffers syncope/cardiac arrest is classified as an ERS. Particular clinical findings such as history of cardiac arrest, convulsion, apnea, and ECG findings such as short coupled premature ventricular contraction, dynamic J-wave changes, widespread J-wave are associated with a higher chance for ventricular arrhythmia. Due to its similar nature in ECG morphology and its pathophysiology, ERS and BrS are classified into J-wave syndrome.

Heart rhythm characterization during sudden cardiac death in dogs

Introduction/objectivesInherited or acquired arrhythmic disorders and cardiac disease have been associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) in dogs. The electrical mechanism related to death in most of these cases is unknown. This retrospective study aimed to describe arrhythmic events in dogs that experienced SCD during Holter monitoring. Animals, materials and methodsNineteen client-owned dogs that experienced SCD during Holter examination were included. Clinical records from a Holter service database were reviewed, and both the rhythm preceding death and the dominant rhythm causing SCD were analysed. Clinical data, Holter diaries and echocardiographic diagnosis were also evaluated. ResultsStructural heart disease was identified in 12/19 dogs (dilated cardiomyopathy in five dogs, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in four dogs, myxomatous mitral valve disease in two dogs, and suspected myocarditis in one dog), five of which had concurrent congestive heart failure. Sudden cardiac death was related to ventricular premature complexes or monomorphic ventricular tachycardia degenerating into ventricular fibrillation in 42% of dogs, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, or torsade de pointes-like inducing ventricular fibrillation in 21%, and asystole or presumptive agonal pulseless electrical activity triggered by malignant bradyarrhythmias in 37%. ConclusionsThe most common rhythm associated with SCD in our population of dogs was ventricular tachycardia leading to ventricular fibrillation, although bradyarrhythmia-related SCD, possibly related to inappropriate vagal reflexes, was also a notable cause.

Is heart rate variability a risk factor for premature ejaculation?

The purpose of this study is to assess the parameters of heart rate variability, which is an indicator of the change in autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, in individuals with premature ejaculation (PE). This study was performed by comparing 40 patients with PE (mean age, 31.2±4.1years) and 40 healthy individuals (mean age, 30.4±4.8years) without PE from May 2018 to December 2019. HRV parameters were compared between men with PE and healthy controls in 24-hour heart rhythm Holter examination. In the time domain analysis, which is a subgroup of HRV, square root of differences between consecutive normal NN intervals (RMSSD), which is an indicator of parasympathetic activity, was lower in patients with PE compared with controls (P=.025). Moreover, within the frequency domain analysis, high frequency (HF), another indicator of parasympathetic activity, was lower in patients compared with controls (P=.032). Finally, the LF/HF ratio, reflecting sympathetic/parasympathetic activity ratio, was significantly higher in patients compared with controls (P=.008). Furthermore, the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LF/HF ratio is independently associated with PE (P=.005). The ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value of LF/HF above 2.7 predicted PE at a sensitivity of 77.5% and specificity of 82.5% (positive predictive value: 81.5% and negative predictive value: 78.5%). Different HRV parameters were exhibited in the comparison of patients with PE and normal controls. It suggests that the change in HRV parameters will be an indicator of imbalance in ANS and this imbalance may cause PE. Therefore, HRV analysis can be a diagnostic tool to assess altered ANS activity in patients with PE and may be considered as a rapid screening tool.

Sudden cardiac arrest after late permanent pacemaker implantation in a heart transplant patient

Bradycardia during the early period following heart transplantation frequently occurs with an incidence of 14 to 44% and it is usually self-limited. The incidence of late bradycardia (from 30 days to more than 5 or 6 months after transplantation) has been reported to be 1.5%. A 33-year-old male patient with a history of orthotopic heart transplantation in 2013 presented with complaints of dizziness and near syncope. A DDDR permanent pacemaker was implanted for sinus pauses exceeding 3 seconds recorded on Holter examination. Shortly after the procedure, he developed sudden cardiovascular collapse. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed and a pulse steroid treatment (2 grams of methylprednisolone) was given. After 2 days, the patient was extubated. While making preparations for re-transplantation, cardiopulmonary arrest developed again and he died. Sinus pause may be a clue for rejection and is an important finding in predicting clinical course.

Higher premature atrial complex burden from the Holter examination predicts poor cardiovascular outcome

Premature atrial complexes (PACs) have been suggested to increase the risk of adverse events. The distribution of PAC burden and its dose–response effects on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular death had not been elucidated clearly. We analyzed 15,893 patients in a medical referral center from July 1st, 2011, to December 31st, 2018. Multivariate regression driven by ln PAC (beats per 24 h plus 1) or quartiles of PAC burden were examined. Older group had higher PAC burden than younger group (p for trend < 0.001), and both genders shared similar PACs distribution. In Cox model, ln PAC remained an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.09 per ln PAC increase, 95% CI = 1.06‒1.12, p < 0.001). PACs were a significant risk factor in cause-specific model (HR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.05‒1.22, p = 0.001) or sub-distribution model (HR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.04‒1.21, p = 0.004). In ordinal PAC model, 4th quartile group had significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality than those in 1st quartile group (HR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.13‒1.94, p = 0.005), but no difference in cardiovascular death were found in competing risk analysis. In subgroup analysis, the risk of high PAC burden was consistently higher than in low-burden group across pre-specified subgroups. In conclusion, PAC burden has a dose response effect on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular death.

Atypical vasovagal syncope in Cavalier King Charles spaniel ocurring at rest

A 10-year-old male entire Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was referred for investigation of frequent episodes of transient loss of consciousness during periods of rest as well as severe stertor and inspiratory dyspnoea. Echocardiography revealed degenerative mitral valve disease in stage B1 ACVIM (Keene et al., 2019) without any evidence of pulmonary hypertension. Respiratory tract endoscopic examination revealed a significantly enlarged soft palate, laryngeal saccule eversion and severe laryngeal collapse. During syncopal episodes, Holter examination revealed progressive bradycardia with long periods of sinus and ventricular arrest, followed by paroxysmal runs of atrial fibrillation, suggestive of reflex syncope. This case describes a dog with reflex syncope occurring in an atypical situation of rest with spontaneous improvement of syncope frequency until its complete resolution 6 months after presentation. Un cavalier King Charles Spaniel mâle entier de 10 ans est référé pour l’investigation d’épisodes de perte de conscience fréquents au repos, ainsi que pour l’exploration d’un stertor et d’une dyspnée inspiratoire marqués. Une échocardiographie a mis en évidence une maladie dégénérative valvulaire mitrale en stade B1 ACVIM (Keene et al., 2019) sans hypertension pulmonaire. Une endoscopie respiratoire a révélé une élongation marquée du palais mou, une éversion des ventricules laryngés et un collapsus laryngé important. Lors des épisodes de syncope, l’examen Holter a révélé une bradycardie progressive avec de longues périodes d’arrêt sinusal avec une asystolie ventriculaire, suivies par une série de fibrillation atriale, évoquant une syncope réflexe. Ce cas décrit un cas de syncope réflexe sur un chien survenant au repos, avec une amélioration spontanée des crises jusqu’à sa complète résolution 6 mois après présentation.

High Job Burnout Predicts Low Heart Rate Variability in the Working Population after a First Episode of Acute Coronary Syndrome.

(1) Background: Job burnout may affect the prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) through mechanisms involving heart rate variability (HRV). However, no study has yet examined those potential associations. Hence, we conducted the present study to investigate this issue. (2) Method: Participants included patients who presented with a first episode of ACS and who were employed. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) was used to assess job burnout. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory electrocardiography recorded HRV on four occasions, i.e., during the hospitalization and follow-ups at one, six, and 12 months, respectively. (3) Results: A total of 120 participants who at least completed three Holter examinations throughout the study were enrolled in the final analysis. Job burnout scores at baseline were inversely associated with LnSDNN, LnTP, LnHF, LnLF, LnULF, and LnVLF during the consequent one-year follow-up. Each 1 SD increase in job burnout scores predicted a decline ranging from 0.10 to 0.47 in the parameters described above (all p < 0.05), and all relationships were independent of numerous confounders, including anxiety and depression. (4) Conclusion: High job burnout predicted reduced HRV parameters during the one-year period post-ACS in the working population.

The predictive value of Holter monitoring in the risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

BackgroundPatients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often present with cardiovascular symptoms. Holter monitors were reported to predict sleep apnea, though were rarely used in everyday clinical practice. In this study, by comparing Holter monitoring to polysomnography (PSG), we try to find out an operable way for clinicians to use Holter to predict OSA risk.MethodsPatients (n=63) suspected of OSA underwent Holter monitoring with concurrent PSG at a sleep center. Respiration and heart rate variability (HRV) indices were calculated from the Holter and compared with PSG indices.ResultsThe sensitivity of the Holter-derived respiratory waveform for OSA was 90.0%, and the specificity was 82.6%. The time domain indices including standard deviation of all NN intervals during 24 hours, mean of standard deviation of the averages of NN intervals in all 5-minute segments, square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals, percentage of beat-to-beat NN interval differences that were more than 50 milliseconds, and the frequency domain index of high frequency decreased in participants with OSA and correlated with the PSG derived indices including apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen reduction index (ODI) and nadir SaO2. Logistic regression showed that standard deviation of all NN intervals during 24 hours and gender could predict the risk of OSA (P<0.001), with a sensitivity for diagnosing moderate to severe OSA of 87.5% and could accurately distinguish the risk of OSA in 77.8% of patients. Males with standard deviation of all NN intervals during 24 hours ≤177 ms or females with standard deviation of all NN intervals during 24 hours ≤80.9 ms were considered to be at high risk for OSA.ConclusionsCommercial and common parameters from Holter monitoring could predict the risk of OSA with high sensitivity. Therefore, the risk of OSA may be assessed using the Holter examination to improve the diagnosis and treatment rate of OSA.