Cluster headache: a computerized analysis of 24 h Holter ECG recordings and description of ECG rhythm disturbances.
Continuous ECG recording has been carried out for at least 24 h in 27 patients suffering from cluster headache. During the study a total of 84 attacks occurred in 25 of the 27 patients who took part. A computerized analysis of the heart rate changes accompanying attacks showed the following: (i) an increase in heart rate at the onset of attacks; the degree of this increase being dependent on the heart rate before attacks, (ii) a relative decrease in heart rate and increased variations in heart rate during attacks, (iii) a relative increase in heart rate at the end of attacks, and (iv) a relative decrease in heart rate after attacks. Five patients (18.5%) showed ECG rhythm disturbances: two frequent premature ventricular beats, one transient attacks of atrial fibrillation, one first degree atrio-ventricular block, and one patient sinoatrial block.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003027:Cluster Headache / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014653:Vascular Headaches / Q000503:physiopathology*