From the Research
Hiatal Hernia and EKG Changes
- A hiatal hernia can cause cardiac complications, including arrhythmias and electrocardiographic changes 1, 2, 3.
- Studies have shown that hiatal hernias can lead to left atrial compression, which can impair left atrial filling and cause changes in EKG readings 4, 3.
- The compression of the heart by a hiatal hernia can cause dynamic electrocardiographic changes, including T wave inversion and ST segment elevation 3.
- In some cases, hiatal hernias can cause complete heart block, which can be resolved with deflation of the gastric contents or surgical repair of the hernia 2.
- Echocardiography can be used to diagnose hiatal hernias and assess their impact on cardiac function, including the compression of the left atrial cavity 4, 1.
Cardiac Complications of Hiatal Hernias
- Hiatal hernias can cause a range of cardiac complications, including arrhythmias, such as sinus tachycardia, atrial flutter, and ventricular tachycardia 1.
- Large hiatal hernias can become incarcerated, leading to ischemia in herniated tissues and requiring acute surgical intervention 5.
- The risk of complications associated with hiatal hernia repair is high, particularly in acute surgery and in elderly patients with co-morbidities 5.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Hiatal hernias can be diagnosed using echocardiography, computed tomography, and endoscopy 4, 1, 2, 3.
- Treatment of hiatal hernias typically involves surgical repair, which can resolve cardiac complications and improve symptoms 2, 5, 3.
- In some cases, deflation of the gastric contents using a nasogastric tube can help to resolve cardiac complications, such as complete heart block 2.