Key result
Amplitude-modulated (AM) recorders caused a maximum distortion of T-wave morphology of -6% to +28% during computer-simulated T-wave alternans monitoring compared to reference digital units.
Why the study?
Are digital and FM ambulatory ECG recorders superior to amplitude-modulated recorders for monitoring T-wave alternans?
Are digital and FM ambulatory ECG recorders superior to amplitude-modulated recorders for monitoring T-wave alternans?
Digital and FM recorders are preferable to AM recorders for ambulatory ECG monitoring of T-wave alternans due to less signal distortion.
AECG recorder performance for TWA varies by frequency response; leaves open clinical validation for arrhythmia risk stratification.
Background: T‐wave alternans has been increasingly implicated as a potential marker of vulnerability to ventricular tachyarrhythmias in both experimental and clinical investigations. However, the suitability of ambulatory ECG (AECG) recorders for monitoring this parameter has not been systematically studied. Methods: We evaluated the frequency response characteristics and performance in monitoring a computer simulated alternans signal in three brands of amplitude‐modulated (AM) and one frequency‐modulated (FM) recorder and compared the results to those of the reference digital AECG unit. Results: A common feature of the AM recorders was distortion due to electronic head resonance, particularly at heart rates in the range of 60–100 beats/min. The maximum distortion of T‐wave morphology by the AM units was —6% to +28%. Conclusions: We conclude that digital and FM recorders are preferable for AECG monitoring of T‐wave alternans. AM recorders can be used if the distortion is not excessive.
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Hearing et al. (1996) studied T-wave alternans. Amplitude-modulated (AM) and frequency-modulated (FM) recorders vs. Reference digital AECG unit was evaluated on Distortion of T-wave morphology. Amplitude-modulated (AM) recorders caused a maximum distortion of T-wave morphology of -6% to +28% during computer-simulated T-wave alternans monitoring compared to reference digital units.
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