[2026-01-26] Incidence and Types of Cardiac Arrhythmias Detected by Telemetry Monitoring in Hospitalized Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Cardiac arrhythmia constitutes a significant clinical complication among hospitalized patients, with elevated prevalence in individuals presenting with underlying cardiovascular pathology. Continuous telemetry monitoring provides real-time electrocardiographic surveillance, facilitating prompt arrhythmia detection and therapeutic intervention. Despite widespread clinical implementation globally, Thailand lacks standardized hospital guidelines governing telemetry monitoring utilization.

Objective: To determine the incidence, classification, and morphological characteristics of cardiac arrhythmias in patients subjected to continuous telemetry surveillance at a tertiary medical hospital in Thailand.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Ramathibodi Hospital. The study comprised 331 hospitalized patients aged 18 years or older who received telemetry monitoring between June 2022 and December 2022. Clinical data were systematically extracted from electronic health records and subjected to descriptive statistical analysis.

Results: Among 331 monitored patients, cardiac arrhythmias were documented in 212 patients (64.05%). According to the American Heart Association classification criteria, most patients were categorized as class II (118 of 212 patients, 55.60%). Out of the 387 detected episodes, premature ventricular contractions constituted the most frequently observed arrhythmic pattern (34.37%), followed by premature atrial contraction (19.90%) and atrial fibrillation (15.76%). Conservative clinical observation represented the predominant management approach (41.69%). Hospital discharge constituted the primary indication for telemetry monitoring discontinuation (59.21%).

Conclusions: This study demonstrated a substantial incidence of cardiac arrhythmias under continuous telemetry surveillance, with premature ventricular contractions representing the most prevalent finding. These findings underscore the clinical utility of telemetry monitoring in hospitalized patients and support the development of standardized monitoring protocols in Thai healthcare hospitals.