Citation

Christophides T, Khan S, Ahmad M, Fayed H, Bogle R. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev 2017; 6(3): 114-117.

Affiliation

Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Carshalton, Surrey.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Radcliffe Cardiology)

DOI

10.15420/aer.2017:7:3

PMID

29018518

PMCID

PMC5610732

Abstract

Lightning strikes are a common and leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Multiple organ systems can be involved, though the effects of the electrical current on the cardiovascular system are one of the main modes leading to cardiorespiratory arrest in these patients. Cardiac effects of lightning strikes can be transient or persistent, and include benign or life-threatening arrhythmias, inappropriate therapies from cardiac implantable electronic devices, cardiac ischaemia, myocardial contusion, pericardial disease, aortic injury, as well as cardiomyopathy with associated ventricular failure. Prolonged resuscitation can lead to favourable outcomes especially in young and previously healthy victims.

Language: en

Keywords

Lightning strike; arrhythmia; cardiac implantable electronic devices; cardiopulmonary arrest; myocardial injury