scholarly journals Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes of a patient with severe hyperkalemia

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarvesh Seger
Author(s):  
Rima Chaddad

Potassium is an important ion capable to maintain intra-extracellular electric gradient. Hyperkalemia is a common and potential life-threatening electrolyte disorder in patients presenting to the emergency setting. Variations in the intra-extracellular ionic flow may alter cells functions, skeletal and smooth muscle contractility and electric activity of myocardial cells. Hyperkalemia can be difficult to diagnose clinically because symptoms may be vague. Patients may be asymptomatic or report non-specific symptoms such as generalized fatigue, weakness, paralysis or palpitations. Syncope is unusual neurological manifestation. An increase in serum potassium levels is followed by progressively severe electrophysiological derangements in cardiac impulse generation and conduction, which are reflected in the electrocardiogram (ECG).


2004 ◽  
Vol 43 (01) ◽  
pp. 43-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. García ◽  
G. Wagner ◽  
R. Bailón ◽  
L. Sörnmo ◽  
P. Laguna ◽  
...  

Summary Objectives: In this work we studied the temporal evolution of changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) as a consequence of the induced ischemia during prolonged coronary angioplasty, comparing the time course of indexes reflecting depolarization and those reflecting repolarization. Methods: We considered both local (measured at specific points of the ECG) and global (obtained from the Karhunen-Loève transform) indexes. In particular, the evolution of Q, R and S wave amplitudes during ischemia was analyzed with respect to classical indexes such as ST level. As a measurement of sensitivity we used an Ischemic Changes Sensor (ICS), which reflects the capacity of an index to detect changes in the ECG. Results: The results showed that, in leads with low-amplitude ST-T complexes, the S wave amplitude was more sensitive in detecting ischemia than was the commonly used index ST60. It was found that in such leads the S wave amplitude initially exhibited a delayed response to ischemia when compared to ST60, but its performance was better from the second minute of occlusion. The global indexes describing the ST-T complex were, in terms of the ICS, superior to the S wave amplitude for ischemia detection. Conclusions: Ischemic ECG changes occur both at repolarization and depolarization, with alterations in the depolarization period appearing later in time. Local indexes are less sensitive to ischemia than global ones.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Ravinder Datt Bhanot ◽  
Jasleen Kaur ◽  
Shitiz Sriwastawa ◽  
Kendall Bell ◽  
Kushak Suchdev

Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes suggestive of cardiac ischemia are frequently demonstrated in patients with ischemic stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, little is known of such changes particularly acute ST segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), especially after neurosurgery. We present a patient with intraparenchymal hemorrhage due to cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) who exhibited acute STEMI after neurosurgery. Serial cardiac biomarkers and echocardiograms were performed which did not reveal any evidence of acute myocardial infarction. The patient was managed conservatively from cardiac stand point with no employment of anticoagulants, antiplatelet therapy, fibrinolytic agents, or angioplasty and recovered well with minimal neurological deficit. This case highlights that diffuse cardiac ischemic signs on the ECG can occur in the setting of an ICH after neurosurgery, potentially posing a difficult diagnostic and management conundrum.


2009 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 42-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Rochford ◽  
R. David Seldin

Abstract Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a unique cardiovascular condition, with both congenital and acquired forms that afflict patients. These patients show a lengthening of the repolarization phase of the cardiac cycle, which can be best visualized on an electrocardiogram (ECG). The ECG changes can include QT interval (the time between the start of the Q wave and the end of the T wave, as seen on an ECG) and T wave abnormalities, as well as progression to torsades de pointes and ventricular fibrillation. The ECG changes are most commonly elicited by physical activity, emotional stress, and certain medications. This condition represents a challenge for the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Patients with LQTS must receive proper medical management and a controlled and anxiety-free surgical environment. The purpose of this article was to present a review of LQTS and provide recommendations for effective surgical management. Additionally, a case report of a patient with LQTS, treated by one of the authors, has been included.


1988 ◽  
Vol 254 (3) ◽  
pp. H481-H486 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. N. Gillespie ◽  
D. C. Booth ◽  
B. J. Friedman ◽  
M. R. Cunningham ◽  
M. Jay ◽  
...  

Recent pathological studies of coronary arteries from humans with suspected coronary spasm have revealed an augmented intramural burden of inflammatory cells. To test the hypothesis that inappropriate activation of inflammatory cells participates in the evolution of coronary vasospasm, the present experiments employed a newly developed coronary arteriographic technique for use in pentobarbital-anesthetized rabbits to evaluate the coronary vasomotor actions of the nonselective inflammatory cell stimulant, N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (fMLP). In 10 of 10 animals, selective left intracoronary injection of 200 ng fMLP evoked profound left coronary narrowing accompanied in all cases by ST segment deviation and dysrhythmias. Thallium-201 scintigraphy demonstrated hypoperfusion of the left ventricular free wall and septum supplied by the spastic coronary artery. The fMLP-induced epicardial vaso-constriction, ischemic electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, and thallium perfusion defects were reversed by intravenous nitroglycerin. Neither the right coronary artery nor its distribution were influenced by left coronary injection of fMLP. Additional experiments in isolated, salt solution-perfused rabbit hearts demonstrated that fMLP failed to exert direct coronary vasoconstrictor effects. These observations indicate that the non-selective inflammatory cell stimulant, fMLP, provokes arteriographically demonstrable coronary spasm with attendant myocardial hypoperfusion and ischemic ECG changes in anesthetized rabbits. Such a model may be useful in exploring the dynamic role of inflammatory cells in development of coronary spasm.


2021 ◽  
pp. postgradmedj-2021-140406
Author(s):  
George Huntington

Episodes of poisoning due to plant-based toxins are an unusual presentation to the emergency department. Plant poisons may be ingested if the source plant is misidentified as benign (eg, Lily of the Valley being mistaken for wild garlic and water hemlock being mistaken for wild celery), or taken as part of a complementary medicine regime or otherwise for psychotropic effect. Numerous plant poisons demonstrate cardiotoxic effects resulting from action against cardiac myocyte ion channels, or other cardiac receptor targets. These mechanisms will produce stereotyped symptoms and including electrocardiogram (ECG) changes dependent on which ion channels or receptors are targeted. These mechanisms are stereotyped and may be grouped by toxidromic effect. This article proposes a novel classification of cardiotoxic plant poisons based on these actions. Given that these mechanisms mirror the Vaughan Williams classification used to categorise therapeutic antiarrhythmic agents, it is felt that this will serve as a mnemonic and diagnostic aid in clinical situations of cardiotoxic plant ingestion.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hitesh Raheja ◽  
Vinod Namana ◽  
Kirti Chopra ◽  
Ankur Sinha ◽  
Sushilkumar Satish Gupta ◽  
...  

Background: Acute alcohol intoxication has been associated with cardiac arrhythmias but the electrocardiogram (ECG) changes associated with acute alcohol intoxication are not well defined in the literature. Objective: Highlight the best evidence regarding the ECG changes associated with acute alcohol intoxication in otherwise healthy patients and the pathophysiology of the changes. Methods: A literature search was carried out; 4 studies relating to ECG changes with acute alcohol intoxication were included in this review. Results: Of the total 141 patients included in the review, 90 (63.8%) patients had P-wave prolongation, 80 (56%) patients had QTc prolongation, 19 (13.5%) patients developed T-wave abnormalities, 10 (7%) patients had QRS complex prolongation, 3 (2.12%) patients developed ST-segment depressions. Conclusion: The most common ECG changes associated with acute alcohol intoxication are (in decreasing order of frequency) P-wave and QTc prolongation, followed by T-wave abnormalities and QRS complex prolongation. Mostly, these changes are completely reversible.


Open Medicine ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 292-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catalina Lionte

AbstractScombroid fish or histamine food poisoning is an illness typically associated with fish consumption, rarely encountered and reported in Europe. Symptoms develop quickly and resemble an allergic reaction. This paper reports three cases of severe scombroid poisoning in previously healthy patients, which presented diffuse macular erythema, hypotension, palpitations, and abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG). All patients required intensive care, with a complete resolution of symptoms and ECG changes within 24 hours. This is the first Romanian report of scombroid poisoning, emphasizing that medical personnel should be aware of this condition, because symptoms and ECG changes often lead to confusion with other diseases.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document