ABSTRACT
Dysrhythmias are commonly seen in the electrocardiogram (ECG) of patients suffering from trauma and critical illness. Some dysrhythmias result as exacerbations of underlying rhythm disorders. Most are due to the changes in the autonomic nervous system and electrolyte levels that often occur in the critically ill. Dysrhythmias in the trauma patient also result from ischemia, direct mechanical injury to the heart (e.g., myocardial contusion), or occur secondary to drugs or toxins. A review of normal electrophysiologic function will precede the discussion of the dysrhythmias most frequently encountered in trauma and critical illness.
