Author/Editor		Gorjup, Vojka; Jazbec, Anja; Geršak, Borut
Title		Transtelephonic transmission of electrocardiograms in Slovenia
Type		članek
Source		J Telemed Telecare
Vol. and No.		Letnik 6
Publication year		2000
Volume		str. 205-8
Language		eng
Abstract		The transtelephonic transmission of electrocardiograms (ECGs) was introduced in Slovenia in 1996 and has been used regularly since September 1997 by health institutions and patients with cardiovascular diseases. Portable 12-channel ECG equipment weighing less than 200g is generally used. The diagnostic centre is located in the intensive-care unit at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana. In the first 12 months of regular operation we received 463 calls, 213 of which were diagnostic. The most common reasons for calling were: ischaemic chest pain, atypical chest pain, palpitations and dyspnoea. The most common diagnoses made on the basis of history and the ECG were: acute myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, paroxysmal tachycardias and atypical chest pain. In 40% of cases the cardiologist's advice sufficed; 38% of patients were referred to the emergency room, 29% immediately and 9% only if a suggested therapy did not prove successful; and in 21% of cases new medication or a change of dosage of current medication was suggested. Transtelephonic ECG transmission enables direct communication between general practitioner or patient and cardiologist. With its use, time From onset of symptoms to initiation of treatment is shortened, which reduces disability and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases and improves cost-benefit.
Descriptors		CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY TELEMETRY RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES TELEPHONE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION ANGINA PECTORIS CHEST PAIN TACHYCARDIA, PAROXYSMAL SLOVENIA