Diagnostic Reliability Of Measurement Of Premature Ventricular Complex Frequency Related To Duration Of Ambulatory Monitoring

Background Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are generally quantified using a 24h ECG recording, but the diagnostic accuracy is unknown. We aimed to determine the day-to-day variability and optimal monitoring duration for PVC measurements among patients with frequent PVCs. Methods We included all patients who underwent a clinical ambulatory ECG recording lasting 25-30 days, using the PocketECG device (Medi-Lynx, USA) during 2017, who did not have atrial fibrillation, and in whom ≥1000 PVCs were registered during one of the monitored days. All arrhythmias were manually verified. PVC variability was calculated as the percentage of the mean daily PVC count after full recording. Results The study population consisted of 1,376 individuals (median age 76.0 years, 53% men). Figure 1a shows the population distribution of the mean daily PVC counts. The mean daily PVC count was 2780 (standard deviation: 1556, range 0 - 56,262). A single-day PVC count differed by 69% from the mean daily count. After 18 days the obtained mean PVC count differed (Less)