Hypothermia: ECG Findings
March 4th, 2023
Overview
Hypothermia refers to a reduction in body temperature below 35 degrees celcius. ECG findings may be seen with profound hypothermia, and particularly below 32 degrees.
Osborn waves, or J waves, are a classic finding in hypothermia. They may also be seen in hypercalcaemia and early repolarisation syndrome. A J wave is a hump-like deflection after the J point, which is the junction between the QRS complex and the ST segment.
ECG Findings in Hypothermia
- Movement artefact due to shivering
- Osborn waves (J waves) - a dome or hump-shaped deflection following the J point
- PR, QRS and QT prolongation
Arrhythmias
- Bradyarrhythmias - bradycardia, AV block, slow AF, progression to asystole
- Tachyarrhythmias - atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation
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