Evaluation of cardiovascular manifestations in Benzodiazepine poisoning

Background: Benzodiazepine (BZD) toxicity alone or with other drugs is common in poisoning emergency departments of Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiovascular findings in patients with benzodiazepine poisoning upon admission to the emergency department. Methods: In a prospective study which was followed by retrospective analysis, 267 patients poisoned with BZD were evaluated. ECG and initial vital signs and symptoms of poisoning were evaluated upon admission. To investigate the relationship between cardiovascular symptoms, changes in ECG, and the type of benzodiazepine consumption, Spearman correlation was utilized. Results: Most patients had normal heart rate (92.88%), normal blood pressure (95.14%), and normal ECG (96.67%). Hypotension (2.99%), hypertension and bradycardia (1.87%), and tachycardia (5.25%) were also observed in the patients. There were not any significant relationships between cardiovascular symptoms, ECG changes, and the type of ingested BZD. All patients survived without any complications. Conclusion: Cardiovascular toxicity with BZD alone is not common. Although few changes in cardiovascular or ECG are seen, the prognosis is considered good.