Hypothermia ECG Review

The ECG findings of hypothermia include:

1. An "Osborne wave" characterized by a notch in the downward portion of the R wave in the QRS complex.
2. Low voltage.
3. Bradycardia: This can be sinus bradycardia, junctional bradycardia, atrial fibrillation with a slow ventricular response or higher grade AV blocks.
4. Baseline artifact from shivering

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ECG Examples:

• Hypothermia ECG Example

References:

1. Surawicz B et al. ACC/AHA recommendations for the standardization and interpretation of the electrocardiogram. Circulation. 2009;119:e235-240.

2. Chou's Electrocardiography in Clinical Practice: Adult and Pediatric, 6e

By Steven Lome