Dr. Smith's ECG Blog
MAY 8, 2014
No patient with a QRS of less than 160 ms had ventricular dysrhythmias. If the diagnosis is unclear, narrowing of a widened QRS on ECG following sodium bicarbonate administration (1-2meq/kg) adds further support that pharmacologic sodium blockade is present. Of 14 with initial QRS of 140 ms or longer, 8 (56%) had seizures.
Dr. Smith's ECG Blog
FEBRUARY 8, 2015
I also believe that we physicians and medics are eager to treat dysrhythmias, and we want to see them even when they are not there. Dilated pupils and hypertension are a strong clue to sympathetic overload, but don't forget anticholinergic syndromes, including tricyclics! Only beta-2 blockade (e.g.,
Dr. Smith's ECG Blog
APRIL 8, 2016
Could the dysrhythmias have been prevented? Severe hypokalemia in the setting of STEMI or dysrhythmias is life-threatening and needs very rapid treatment. mmol/L (n = 11), and Measurements and Results: All patients tolerated the infusions without evidence of hemodynamic compromise, ECG change, or new dysrhythmia requiring treatment.
Dr. Smith's ECG Blog
SEPTEMBER 7, 2020
If the rhythm converts and then reverts to tachycardia with either adenosine or electricity, Neither one of those modalities should be attempted until some longer acting pharmacological solution is given. WPW does not always have delta waves on the baseline ECG. This is called "Concealed conduction".
Dr. Smith's ECG Blog
NOVEMBER 19, 2016
Smith comment: In a large randomized trial of dopamine vs. norepinephrine (11) for shock which was published after the above-mentioned recommendations, dopamine had more adverse events (especially severe dysrhythmias, and especially atrial fibrillation).
Expert insights. Personalized for you.
52 
Let's personalize your content