Continuous electrocardiographic monitoring with Holter electrocardiocorder throughout all stages of gastroscopy.

Continuous electrocardiographic recording on magnetic tape with a Holter electrocardiocorder was performed during gastroscopy on 55 consecutive patients. ECG recording was begun before premedication and was terminated 1 hr after the withdrawal of the gastroscope. The ECG changes during the different stages of the procedure were separately analyzed: 38.18% of patients had E.C.G. changes--sinus tachycardia (20%), ST-T changes (23.6%), ventricular and atrial premature beats (20.0% and 7.27%, respectively). atrial premature beats with aberrant conduction (3.6%), and coronary sinus rhythm (1.8%). All changes disappeared spontaneously after the procedure. Although relatively safe, gastroscopy requires careful consideration of the risks, especially in severe cardiac patients.