https://stm2.bookpi.org/NCCECGA/issue/feed 2025-08-08T09:48:05+00:00 Open Journal Systems <p>Over the past two decades, as a cardiac electrophysiologist, the electrocardiogram (ECG) has been at the centre of my clinical practice. What has continually captivated me are the ECG changes triggered by non-cardiac conditions. From the characteristic Osborn wave in hypothermia to the prognostic clues in tricyclic antidepressant toxicity and the critical patterns of severe hyperkalemia, these findings highlight the ECG’s value beyond heart disease alone. Yet, information on these topics is often scattered.</p> <p><strong><em>“Non-Cardiac Causes of ECG Abnormalities”</em></strong> brings these conditions together, explaining their mechanisms and illustrating them with real patient examples. In the chapter on electrolyte abnormalities, I have detailed their effects on cellular electrophysiology. The section on electrode misplacement features diagrams to facilitate understanding. Another extensively researched topic is toxins—both natural and synthetic—where I have endeavoured to cover all clinically relevant aspects.</p> <p>I am grateful to my institution, mentors, colleagues, students, and patients, who have been my greatest teachers. I hope this book inspires readers to interpret every ECG with a wider perspective, always looking beyond the heart.</p> https://stm2.bookpi.org/NCCECGA/article/view/273 2025-08-08T09:48:05+00:00 Sirin Apiyasawat [email protected]

<p>An electrocardiogram (ECG) offers valuable insights into an individual's overall health beyond cardiovascular conditions. Numerous non-cardiac factors can significantly impact ECG readings, resulting in substantial variations in recorded findings. Given that current knowledge in this area remains limited and scattered across different sources, this manuscript seeks to fill the knowledge gap by thoroughly reviewing ECG alterations attributed to diverse non-cardiac factors.</p> <p>This book comprehensively reviews ECG abnormalities linked to various medical conditions, toxic substances, environmental factors, and technical issues like electrode misplacement. It covers diseases of the brain, lungs, endocrine system, and electrolyte imbalances, along with the effects of pharmaceutical drugs, recreational drugs, natural toxins, and excessive food and drink consumption. Environmental factors such as electrical injury, extreme temperatures, and high altitudes are also discussed. Each section outlines the relevant pathophysiology and includes real patient ECG tracings, summarised tables, and highlighted points to enhance readability. A comprehensive literature review covering past and present research has been conducted to ensure the information is thorough and up-to-date.</p> <p>By linking the pathophysiology to ECG findings influenced by non-cardiac factors, this manuscript emphasises ECGs' diagnostic and prognostic significance. As a vital source, “Non-cardiac Causes of ECG Abnormalities” equips medical professionals with essential knowledge to interpret ECG data.</p>

2025-08-08T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Author(s). The licensee is the publisher (BP International).