Double counting heart rate - Littmann sign in electrocardiogram
Wei Wang1, Mei-Yu Deng2, Wen-Hui Zhai1
1From the Emergency Department, 305 Hospital of PLA, Beijing (100017), People's Republic of China.
Heliyon
|February 23, 2024
Summary
The Littmann sign, though uncommon, is crucial for rapidly diagnosing hyperkalemia. Prompt identification aids timely treatment and patient recovery, preventing potential complications from delayed intervention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
- Clinical Diagnosis
Background:
- The Littmann sign is an infrequently observed clinical finding.
- It is often overlooked in routine practice, potentially delaying critical diagnoses.
- Hyperkalemia, a condition of elevated potassium levels, requires prompt management.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old patient presented with discrepancies between electrocardiogram (ECG) heart rate and cardiac auscultation.
- This inconsistency, suggestive of the Littmann sign, raised suspicion for hyperkalemia.
- Arterial blood gas analysis confirmed significant hyperkalemia.
Findings:
- The Littmann sign served as an early indicator for hyperkalemia in this case.
- Prompt initiation of potassium-lowering treatment led to the resolution of the Littmann sign.
- The patient experienced a full recovery after successful management of hyperkalemia.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Littmann sign for early hyperkalemia detection.
- Highlights the potential for overlooked signs to cause diagnostic delays.
- Underscores the necessity of integrating subtle clinical findings into diagnostic algorithms for metabolic emergencies.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Electrocardiogram
2.3K
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a critical diagnostic tool that records the electrical signals produced by the heart during each heartbeat. This recording is achieved through electrodes placed strategically on the arms, legs, and chest. The electrocardiograph amplifies these signals and produces 12 distinct tracings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the heart's electrical activity.
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and...
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and...
2.3K
01:24ECG Interpretation of Rhythms
881
An electrocardiogram (ECG)graphically represents the heart's electrical activity on ECG paper or a monitor.
Components of the Electrocardiogram
The primary components of a normal ECG waveform in Normal sinus rhythm(NSR) include the P wave, PR interval, QRS complex, ST segment, T wave, and occasionally a U wave.
ECG waveforms are divided by vertical and horizontal lines at standard intervals.
The horizontal axis measures time and rate, and the vertical axis measures amplitude or voltage....
Components of the Electrocardiogram
The primary components of a normal ECG waveform in Normal sinus rhythm(NSR) include the P wave, PR interval, QRS complex, ST segment, T wave, and occasionally a U wave.
ECG waveforms are divided by vertical and horizontal lines at standard intervals.
The horizontal axis measures time and rate, and the vertical axis measures amplitude or voltage....
881
01:29Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
399
In a cardiovascular examination, inspection and palpation are crucial for identifying abnormalities.
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
399
01:28Electrocardiogram Fundamentals
599
Introduction
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool for identifying cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and myocardial ischemia.
Definition
An electrocardiogram (ECG) visualizes the heart's electrical activity by tracing the electrical movement associated with each heartbeat on a graph or monitor. As the heart beats, an electrical wave passes through it, correlating with the cardiac cycle events.
Parts of an ECG
An ECG utilizes electrodes on the skin...
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool for identifying cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and myocardial ischemia.
Definition
An electrocardiogram (ECG) visualizes the heart's electrical activity by tracing the electrical movement associated with each heartbeat on a graph or monitor. As the heart beats, an electrical wave passes through it, correlating with the cardiac cycle events.
Parts of an ECG
An ECG utilizes electrodes on the skin...
599
01:25Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle
5.3K
The electrical signals recorded on an electrocardiogram (ECG) occur before the mechanical processes of contraction and relaxation during the cardiac cycle.
A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...
A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...
5.3K
01:30Pulse rhythm
798
Pulse rhythm refers to the pattern of pulsations within specific intervals, offering valuable insights into the regularity or irregularity of the heart's beats as observed through the pattern of pulsation within specific intervals. A regular pulse exhibits a consistent heart rate with uniform waveforms and pulsation force, variations of which can be classified as normal, weak, or bounding.
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac...
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac...
798