Detection of transient ischemic episodes by ambulatory ECG recordings.

In summary, ambulatory ECG monitoring detects episodes of S-T segment shifts with and without chest pain in patients with coronary heart disease. These most likely represent ischemic episodes. There is limited information available as yet for use of ambulatory monitoring as a screening test applied to totally asymptomatic individuals, particularly from populations in which the frequency of coronary artery disease is low. Equipment used for ambulatory ECG monitoring and methods of quantifying the ischemic episode require further evaluation. At present, ambulatory ECG monitoring can be used to objectively detect silent and symptomatic ischemic episodes and monitor effectiveness of therapy designed to prevent ischemia in individuals with ischemic heart disease.