Cardiac arrhythmia in a professional football player: was ephedrine to blame?
The use of over-the-counter dietary supplements has risen dramatically, and adverse events can be severe. Physicians should recognize the dangers that ephedrine-containing supplements present and remain vigilant for sympathomimetic symptoms in young, otherwise healthy, patients. This case illustrates how the use of a popular weight-loss supplement by a 27-year-old professional football player apparently resulted in cardiac arrhythmia requiring direct cardioversion.
Krome
Charles N
CN
Precision Orthopedic Specialties, Chardon, OH, 44024, USA. ckrome@adelphia.net.
Tucker
Andrew M
AM