The study group included 153 pts (73W, 80M), mean age 45.7±20 years with organic valvular disease, artificial valves, congenital heart defect. HM was performed simultaneously with TEE (period Ia - first minute, insertion the probe, period Ib - the rest of examination) and was continued for the rest 24 hours (period II). All pts were in sinus rhythm (SR), no or single ventricular/supraventricular extrasystoles (ExV/ExSV) were observed during period II. No pt was treated with antyarrhythmics or digitalis. Mean duration of TEE was 18±16min. Results: During period II mean heart rate (HR) was 72±28 min. During period I: In all patients acceleration of HR was observed while TEE probe was inserted (mean acceleration of HR 48.3%). Simple ventricular arrhythmia was observed in 51 pts, pairs of ExV in 4 pts, ExSV in 73 pts (including 5 pts with short runs of supraventricular tachycardia). No life-threatening arrhythmia, disturbances of conduction or ischaemic STsegment changes were observed. Conclusions: TEE is a save procedure concerning serious rhythm and conduction disturbances or ischaemic STT changes in pts with valvular heart disease. Probe inserction during TEE most common provokes heart rate acceleration, less common - benigne ventricular and/or supraventricular extrasystoles.

Keywords: transesphageal echocardiography, Holter monitoring, arrhythmias, Safety