Electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with heat stroke
M J Akhtar1, M al-Nozha, S al-Harthi
1Department of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Chest
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Heat stroke significantly impacts heart function in pilgrims, causing arrhythmias like sinus tachycardia and conduction defects. These findings highlight heat stroke
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Environmental Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Heat stroke is a severe condition with significant morbidity.
- Cardiovascular complications are a major concern in heat stroke patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cardiac effects of heat stroke in Hajj pilgrims.
- To identify specific electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities associated with heat stroke.
Main Methods:
- Serial electrocardiograms (ECGs) were performed on 46 Hajj pilgrims with heat stroke.
- ECGs were recorded immediately after cooling, and at 12 and 24 hours post-cooling.
- Data analysis focused on identifying statistically significant ECG findings.
Main Results:
- A significant prevalence of sinus tachycardia (43%), conduction defects (22%), and prolonged Q-T intervals (61%) was observed.
- Diffuse nonspecific ST-T changes (26%) and ST-T changes indicative of myocardial ischemia (21%) were also noted.
- These abnormalities were statistically significant (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Heat stroke is associated with multifactorial cardiac adverse effects.
- Heat stroke appears to predispose individuals to myocardial ischemia and conduction disturbances.
- ECG findings may reflect the cardiovascular status of heat stroke victims.
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