Cardiac risk of speed traps

Clin Cardiol. 1992 Jun;15(6):441-4. doi: 10.1002/clc.4960150610.

Abstract

Twenty-two patients with stable cardiac disease drove into a radar trap while having an ambulatory electrocardiogram. All patients reported cardiac symptoms, heart rate increases, and appearance of repetitive ventricular arrhythmias. Myocardial ischemia was observed in some patients. Being caught while car speeding under the stresses of daily life may induce potentially dangerous cardiac effects. The data confirm the effects of stress and adrenergic tone on ventricular arrhythmias.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arousal / physiology*
  • Automobile Driving / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Automobile Driving / psychology*
  • Cardiac Complexes, Premature / physiopathology
  • Cardiac Output / physiology
  • Coronary Disease / physiopathology*
  • Electrocardiography, Ambulatory*
  • Female
  • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Stress, Psychological / complications*
  • Tachycardia / physiopathology