Carbon monoxide poisoning may be associated with cardiac arrhythmias, some which may be life-threatening and associated with sudden death.
Carbon monoxide poisoning may be associated with a prolongation of the QTc. This may be due to induction of the late sodium current with prolongation of the action potential. This is associated with elevated Nitric Oxide (NO) levels.
Cardiac arrhythmias may include:
(1) premature ventricular contractions (PVC)
(2) ventricular tachycardia
(3) ventricular fibrillation
(4) atrial fibrillation
(5) paroxysmal tachycardia or paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
Risk factors for arrhythmias:
(1) pre-existing arrhythmia
(2) pre-existing ischemic heart disease
(3) other cause of increased QTc interval
(4) congestive heart failure
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may reduce the risk of arrhythmia.
