Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 24, 2025

Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Testing for Assessment of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders
Published on: August 18, 2016
Ventricular fibrillation due to coronary spasm after pepper spray
Adam Lechner1, Tyler Alderson1, Sandeep Gautam1
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA.
Abstract:
Pepper spray is used as a crowd control agent and for self-defense. It has been thought to be safe; however, 27 persons have died in police custody after exposure to pepper spray. We report on a 21-year-old man, with no underlying heart disease and a normal ECG and echocardiogram in the past, who was pepper sprayed and developed ventricular fibrillation. An admission ECG showed marked ST segment elevation but subsequent coronary arteriography was normal. We hypothesize that pepper spray triggered coronary spasm, resulting in ventricular fibrillation. This report adds to a body of information that pepper spray is dangerous.
Related Concept Videos
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
Vascular Spasm
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use

