Diagnosis and quantification of arrhythmias in ambulatory patients using an improved R-R interval plotting system.

Abstract

An improved technique for identification, diagnosis and quantification of arrhythmias during rest or ambulatory electrocardiographic recording is described. With simultaneous plotting of the R-R interval and the QRS duration and QRS vector measurement of each beat versus time, all periods of arrhythmias or abnormal complexes can be identified and characterized. Analog electrocardiographic samplings are used to confirm the diagnosis of the arrhythmia and to exclude artifact. The availability of a permanent record for the characterization of each QRS complex enables the physician to check the technician's analysis of the recording and to relate all events to the patient's heart rate and clinical symptoms. This technique also provides data for quantification of ventricular arrhythmias.