Twenty-four hour ambulatory electrocardiography (Holter monitoring) in normal unsedated cats
Yamaki, Fernanda LieSoares, Elaine CristinaPereira, Guilherme GonçalvesYamato, Ronaldo JunGallatti, LucianaBrito, Fabio Sandoli deLeomil Neto, MoacirLarsson, Maria Helena Matiko Akao
Background: Standard electrocardiogram (ECG) performed during a clinical examination has a limited ability to detectmany arrhythmias. Holter or 24-h ambulatory electrocardiography (AECG) is the most sensitive non-invasive test fordemonstrating transient arrhythmias, that allows continuous recording of cardiac electrical activity while the patient isengaged in normal daily activities. This study was undertaken to defi ne 24-h AECG parameters, including variations inheart rate, and the types and incidence of arrhythmias in clinically normal adult cats to provide a baseline for comparisonfor cats suspected of having cardiac diseases.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty clinically normal adult cats, with an equal number of males and females, weightingfrom 2.8 to 7.6 kg (mean 4.10 ± 1.22), were used. All animals had no historical or clinical evidence of systemic diseases,with unremarkable physical examination, and with no alterations on either thoracic radiography, electrocardiographic,and echocardiographic evaluations, as well as on clinical pathology or blood pressure measurement. Ambulatory electrocardiographic recording was performed for 24-h, with a 3-lead, modifi ed bipolar, transthoracic system. The owner wasrequested to keep a diary to record the time of exercising, feeding, and other behaviours. The records were analysed usinga microprocessor. In the current study, regular sinus rhythm was predominant, there was no evidence of atrioventricularconduction block, or ST segment alterations and the minimum heart rate was 102 ± 23 bpm, while the maximum heartrate was 242 ± 17 bpm and the mean heart rate was 151 ± 26 bpm.Discussion: The main disadvantage of routine clinical ECG is that it records only a short period of heart rhythm. Continuous 24-h AECG monitoring is an...(AU)
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