How does hypothermia appear on an ECG?

How does hypothermia appear on an ECG?

• A. Osborn waves (J waves) and prolonged intervals
• B. U waves and ST segment elevation
• C. Shortened PR interval
• D. Narrow QRS complexes

Answer: (A)

Hypothermia is reflected on an ECG primarily through the presence of Osborn waves, also known as J waves, which have a characteristic appearance. These waves manifest as distinct positive deflections following the QRS complex, typically found in leads with the highest voltage, often observed in the precordial leads. The presence of these waves indicates the heart's response to the cooler body temperature, signifying altered myocardial electrical activity. Additionally, hypothermia can lead to prolonged intervals on the ECG, which include prolonged PR intervals and QT intervals. These changes are due to the slowed conduction of electrical impulses within the heart as temperatures drop, affecting the overall excitability and automaticity of cardiac tissues. The other choices reflect different pathological conditions not typically associated with hypothermia. For instance, U waves and ST segment elevation are generally indicative of conditions such as hypokalemia or myocardial ischemia. A shortened PR interval is observed in cases of pre-excitation syndromes like Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, while narrow QRS complexes often indicate fast conduction through the ventricles and not the bradycardic effects seen in hypothermia.

Hypothermia is reflected on an ECG primarily through the presence of Osborn waves, also known as J waves, which have a characteristic appearance. These waves manifest as distinct positive deflections following the QRS complex, typically found in leads with the highest voltage, often observed in the precordial leads. The presence of these waves indicates the heart's response to the cooler body temperature, signifying altered myocardial electrical activity.

Additionally, hypothermia can lead to prolonged intervals on the ECG, which include prolonged PR intervals and QT intervals. These changes are due to the slowed conduction of electrical impulses within the heart as temperatures drop, affecting the overall excitability and automaticity of cardiac tissues.

The other choices reflect different pathological conditions not typically associated with hypothermia. For instance, U waves and ST segment elevation are generally indicative of conditions such as hypokalemia or myocardial ischemia. A shortened PR interval is observed in cases of pre-excitation syndromes like Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, while narrow QRS complexes often indicate fast conduction through the ventricles and not the bradycardic effects seen in hypothermia.