Fever as a Trigger for Ventricular Fibrillation
Author Information
Author(s): Pasquié Jean Luc
Primary Institution: Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
Hypothesis
Can febrile illnesses trigger ventricular fibrillation in patients with normal hearts?
Conclusion
Febrile illness may be associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias in patients with Brugada syndrome and sometimes in those without cardiac disease.
Supporting Evidence
- Febrile illnesses may unmask the electrocardiographic features of Brugada syndrome.
- Patients with normal hearts can experience ventricular fibrillation during febrile illnesses.
- Temperature-dependent modifications of ion channel properties may facilitate spontaneous activity in the heart.
Takeaway
Having a fever might make some people's hearts act funny and cause serious problems, even if they seem healthy.
Methodology
Review of case reports and clinical observations regarding fever and ventricular fibrillation.
Limitations
The clinical precipitants for VF storms in patients without structural heart disease remain poorly characterized.
Participant Demographics
All reported cases involved males aged 50 to 70 years.
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