ABSTRACT

Lightning is a frequent natural disasters, and may result in death at a rate of up to 20-30% of affected patients. The most common cause of death in these cases is cardiac arrest. In addition, deaths can occur due to injury of the respiratory center.

In the literature, there are many case reports regarding lightning injuries. Howewer, there are only a few studies on the effects of lightning strike on the heart. In this paper, we specifically investigate the noninvasive electrophysiological effects of lightning strike on the heart.

Ventricular fibrillation, asystole, supraventricular tachycardia, QT prolongation and nonspecific ST-T changes may occur in patients with lightning injury. However, there is no typical electrocardiogram (ECG) sign/signs of lightning injury.

Electrocardiographic changes due to lightning strike depend on the severity and duration of exposure of the body.

Keywords: Noninvasive electrophysiology, lightning