Hypothermia: a double-edged sword

Cardiology. 2012;122(2):126-8. doi: 10.1159/000338805. Epub 2012 Jul 18.

Abstract

Therapeutic hypothermia is currently used to reduce neurological ischemic damage in postcardiac arrest patients. Nevertheless, it has been associated with relevant side effects such as infections, bleeding, hypotension and hyperkalemia. Although hypothermia-induced coronary spasm is rare, its occurrence needs to be considered attentively as it adds a high risk of ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac arrest in patients with already-existing critical heart conditions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Coronary Vasospasm / etiology*
  • Heart Arrest / physiopathology
  • Heart Arrest / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hypothermia, Induced / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Stroke Volume / physiology
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / etiology
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / physiopathology