ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN HYPOTHERMIA

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Abstract
Electrocardiographic changes observed in induced hypothermia in cats and dogs are described. The most constant changes were progressive bradycardia, defective A-V conduction, prolongation of the electrical systole, and the characteristic J deflection at the junction of the QRS and S-T segment. Ventricular fibrillation occurred more frequently in dogs than in cats. These changes, except ventricular fibrillation, proved reversible on rewarming and restoration of normal temperature. Focal injury of the heart as produced experimentally by focal cooling of the right ventricle or by cardiac ischemia in man can occasionally also give rise to a small J deflection, similar to that seen in general hypothermia.