Use of continuous electrocardiographic (Holter) monitoring in the risk stratification of elderly patients after myocardial infarction

In post-infarction patients, ambulatory Holter monitoring during the pre-discharge mobilization phase or soon after discharge provides important information about the presence of frequent and complex arrhythmias, impaired heart rate variability and the presence of episodes of ST-segment depression. Although reports are conflicting, it seems that recently published large-scale investigations, such as the Beta-Blocker Heart Attack Trial (BHAT),confirm the prognostic applicability of ambulatory Holter monitoring not only in younger patients but also in the elderly.