Evaluation of arrhythmia frequency with Holter electrocardiography in pregnants with palpitation complaints

Abstract

Corresponding author: Mehmet Kış, MD. Silopi Devlet Hastanesi Kardiyoloji Kliniği, 73400 Silopi, Şırnak, Turkey. Tel: +90 553 534 00 16 e-mail: drmehmet.kis@hotmail.com ABSTRACT Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying etiology and the frequency of arrhythmia by Holter electrocardiography (ECG) in pregnant women with palpitations. Patients and methods: Between January 2019 and March 2021, a total of 64 pregnant women (mean age: 29.1±5.3 years; range, 20 to 46 years) who were admitted to the cardiology outpatient clinic with the complaint of palpitations and had a Holter ECG were retrospectively analyzed. Data including demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, Holter ECG records, imaging findings, and biochemical data were recorded. Results: The mean systolic blood pressure was 118.7±16.4 mmHg and the mean heart rate was 96.2±18.2 bpm. There was an arrhythmia on Holter ECG in 32 (50%) of the patients. The most common arrhythmias were ventricular extrasystoles in 21.9% and supraventricular tachycardia in 14.1% of the patients. The frequency of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was 4.7%. Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) was detected in two (3.1%) patients. Conclusion: Identifying underlying arrhythmias in pregnant women with palpitation is of utmost importance for both the maternal and fetal health. The incidence of arrhythmias that should be treated in this patient group is too high to be ignored.