Arrhythmias electrocardiography

Cardiovascular Effects. Chloroform induces cardiac arrhythmia in patients exposed to chloroform via anesthesia (Smith et al. 1973 Whitaker and Jones 1965). Similarly, heart effects were observed upon electrocardiography of an individual who accidentally ingested chloroform (Schroeder 1965). Hypotension was observed in 12-27% of patients exposed to chloroform via anesthesia (Smith et al. 1973 Whitaker and Jones 1965) and also was observed in a patient who ingested chloroform (Storms 1973). 

Every patient must be properly monitored with pulse oximetry and electrocardiography (EGG). Even if the peel is done by the book and even when the simplest and least aggressive techniques are used, stress can cause vagal reactions, low blood pressure and tachycardia. Pulse oximeter monitoring can pick up on any drop in oxygen saturation that could accentuate myocardial irritability and cause arrhythmias. 

Buckley NA, Chevalier S, Leditschke A, et al. The Umited utiUty of electrocardiography variables used to predict arrhythmia in psychotropic drug overdose. Crit Care 2003 7 R102-R107 available at http //ccforum.eom/content/7/5/R101 accessed on September 9, 2003. 

Arrhythmia—Programmed instruction. 3. Electrocardiography—Programmed instruction. 

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