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Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Hypoglycemia electrocardiogram

Introduction

Overview

Overview

On EKG, hypoglycemia is characterized by sinus tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia.

EKG

EKG

EKG findings in hypoglycemia include sinus tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia.

EKG shows sinus tachycardia, source: courtesy of ECGpedia, http://en.ecgpedia.org/wiki/File:Sinustachycardia.jpg

EKG findings in hypoglycemia may show supraventricular tachycardia in uncotrolled cases.

EKG shows supraventricular tachycardia, source: courtesy of ECGpedia, http://en.ecgpedia.org/wiki/File:De-AW00011.jpg

Based on some experimental data, hypoglycemia due to insulin use can lead to long QT syndrome and eventually increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmia.^[1]

References

References

↑ Pasquel FJ, Lansang MC, Dhatariya K, Umpierrez GE (2021). “Management of diabetes and hyperglycaemia in the hospital”. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 9 (3): 174–188. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(20)30381-8. PMID 33515493 Check |pmid= value (help).

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohammed Abdelwahed M.D [2]