A long-term ECG records what is known as an electrocardiogram over an extended period of time to determine if any disorders or more serious diseases of the heart are present. It is used, for example, to detect or monitor arrhythmias or other possible heart disease.
What is long-term ECG?
A long-term ECG records what is called an electrocardiogram over an extended period of time to determine if any disorders or more serious diseases of the heart are present. A long-term ECG works like a normal resting ECG. In both procedures, the activity of the heart is plotted in a waveform to check and assess heart function. The electrical impulses of each heartbeat are derived and recorded. The long-term ECG is recorded using a very small body-worn device connected to the patient via electrodes and cables. This device has an electronic data memory on which heart activity is recorded, usually for 24 hours. After the long-term ECG has been performed, the results are then read on the computer and evaluated by the physician. On the screen or printout, the curve of the long-term ECG can be seen, the different areas of which can each be assigned to a section of cardiac excitation, i.e. to the different regions of the heart. The long-term ECG is a basic diagnostic procedure and is used especially by internists. It allows precise diagnosis and has few risks.
Function, effect, and goals
A long-term ECG is used to check diurnal and nocturnal variations in cardiac function over at least 18 hours, but usually 24 hours. In contrast, the resting ECG is used for an instantaneous examination lasting only 5-10 minutes, and a stress ECG under physical exertion (ergometer) lasts 35-40 minutes. The long-term ECG provides the physician with an overview of how the individual’s cardiac performance changes during everyday activities and in various situations. This procedure is used for a more detailed examination and evaluation of various heart disorders and heart diseases over a longer period of time. It is particularly useful for either detecting or ruling out possible cardiac arrhythmias in the presence of symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness or fainting spells (syncope). In cardiac arrhythmias, the heart beats either too slowly or too fast. Since these disturbances sometimes occur only occasionally, they are not always detected by a normal resting ECG. A long-term ECG can help to establish a connection between unclear physical complaints and an irregular heart rhythm. Furthermore, the long-term ECG can detect possible dangerous circulatory disorders caused by constrictions of coronary vessels. These do not always cause pain, so they are “silent” (silent ischemia). The long-term ECG is particularly useful as a diagnostic procedure for nocturnal cardiac disturbances that are not noticed by the sleeping patient. It is also used, of course, to monitor cardiac function after a heart attack as well as after implantation of a pacemaker. During a long-term ECG, up to six electrodes are taped to the patient’s body. These are in turn connected via cables to the long-term ECG device, from which the ECG is recorded in an electronic data memory. The cables are passed out over the clothing, while the patient can either attach the device to a waist belt or hang it around his or her neck. In addition, the patient is asked to record his or her activities, physical observations, and any complaints in a log during the long-term ECG. The long-term ECG is then displayed on a screen using a special evaluation device. This is usually also printed out and then evaluated either automatically or by the physician. Here, each heartbeat is checked for disturbances. There are two types of long-term ECG devices. One is based on continuous recording, where every heartbeat is recorded, and the other is based on discontinuous recording, where only cardiac arrhythmias are recorded.
Risks and dangers
There are no complications associated with a long-term ECG and it is virtually risk-free. After an initial unfamiliar sensation due to the cables and electrodes attached to the body, they are hardly noticed during the day.However, during the night time, this equipment can be a bit disturbing. In addition, it may happen that a cable detaches from the adhesive point, which interrupts the recording. Just occasionally, there may be an itchy rash where the electrodes were attached. The long-term ECG device should not be worn in workplaces where there is a risk of flammable gases escaping, creating a risk of explosion.
