Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
Electrolyte imbalance, or water-electrolyte imbalance, is an abnormality in the concentration of electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. They help to regulate heart and neurological function, fluid balance , oxygen delivery , acid–base balance and much more.
Torsades de pointes, torsade de pointes or torsades des pointes (TdP; also called torsades) (/ t ɔːr ˌ s ɑː d d ə ˈ p w æ̃ t /, [2] French: [tɔʁsad də pwɛ̃t̪], translated as "twisting of peaks") is a specific type of abnormal heart rhythm that can lead to sudden cardiac death.
Changes in the normal ECG pattern occur in numerous cardiac abnormalities, including: Cardiac rhythm disturbances, such as atrial fibrillation [6] and ventricular tachycardia; [7] Inadequate coronary artery blood flow, such as myocardial ischemia [8] and myocardial infarction; [9] and electrolyte disturbances, such as hypokalemia. [10]
Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a condition affecting repolarization (relaxing) of the heart after a heartbeat, giving rise to an abnormally lengthy QT interval. [7] It results in an increased risk of an irregular heartbeat which can result in fainting, drowning, seizures, or sudden death. [1]
Diagnosis is typically by electrocardiogram (ECG), however, the abnormalities may not be consistently present. [2] Medications such as ajmaline may be used to reveal the ECG changes. [2] Similar ECG patterns may be seen in certain electrolyte disturbances [7] or when the blood supply to the heart has been reduced. [8]
Abnormal heart rhythms and asystole are possible complications of hypermagnesemia related to the heart. [8] Magnesium acts as a physiologic calcium blocker, which results in abnormalities of the electrical conduction system of the heart. [citation needed] Consequences related to serum concentration: [9]: 281 4.0 mEq/L – Decreased reflexes
Patients who are stable should be managed by removing the underlying cause and correcting electrolyte abnormalities, especially hypokalemia. An EKG should be obtained, a cardiac monitor should be attached, IV access should be established, supplemental oxygen should be given, and blood samples should be sent for appropriate studies.
Medication aimed at correcting the ECG abnormality – the shortened QT interval – has been tried. Quinidine , a class Ia antiarrhythmic agent , has been shown to partially correct the QT interval and make the heart more resilient to artificially-induced abnormal heart rhythms, [ 3 ] [ 14 ] although it is still uncertain at present whether ...