Spectrum of cardiac manifestations from aconitine poisoning

Aconite is a potentially toxic root from which herbal preparations are used to treat common somatic ailments from headache to heartburn in the Southeast Asian population. Lack of awareness of aconite root use in the growing Hmong population in the United States (US) poses a potential for loss of life. We present a case of acute aconitine poisoning in a middle-aged Hmong man in whom (1) a broad spectrum of electrocardiographic changes and dysrhythmias manifested, and (2) critical illness and shock developed, requiring aggressive life support to prevent loss of life.