Interactive Multimodal Curriculum on Use and Interpretation of Inpatient Telemetry.

Introduction: Inpatient telemetry monitoring is a commonly used technology designed to detect and monitor life-threatening arrhythmias. However, residents are rarely educated in the proper use and interpretation of telemetry monitoring.

Methods: We developed a training module containing an educational video, PowerPoint presentation, and hands-on interactive learning session with a telemetry expert.

Clinical Significance of Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia on Routine Monitoring of Pacemaker Patients.

Background: Permanent pacemakers (PPMs) are capable of recording tachyarrhythmic events including nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), though the clinical significance of NSVT on routine PPM evaluation is unknown. Our goals: assess the prevalence of NSVT on routine PPM follow-up and survival of PPM patients with NSVT, without NSVT, and with ventricular high rate (VHR) episodes of undefined origin.

Methods: A single-center retrospective, cohort study was performed on patients implanted with PPMs capable of recording NSVT, defined as ≥5 consecutive ventricular beats at ≥170/minutes lasting <30 seconds.

Electrocardiographic poor R-wave progression: analysis of multiple criteria reveals little usefulness.

Background: Poor or reverse R-wave progression (PRWP) is a common statement on electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretations, but its value in diagnosing anterior myocardial infarction (MI) is disputed. We assessed the accuracy of PRWP criteria in diagnosing anterior MI.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE (1960-1998) and found 3 criteria for PRWP.

Does heart rate identify sudden death survivors? Assessment of heart rate, QT interval, and heart rate variability.

The objective was to test whether the circadian variability of several electrocardiographic variables distinguishes sudden cardiac death survivors from heart disease patients without a history of cardiac arrest and from normal subjects. Heart rate, heart rate variability, and QT interval have been reported to identify survivors of sudden cardiac death. Computer-assisted continuous QT measurement and heart rate variability analysis were performed on 24-hour Holter records for three groups: (1) 14 sudden death survivors; (2) 14 control patients with diagnosis and therapy matched to survivors; and (3) 14 healthy subjects.