Ice Water and the Heart

Excerpt

To the editor: Lader and Kronzon (1) cite my research (2) as saying ice water is safe for patients who have had myocardial infarctions. My statements were more guarded; I also stated that ice water causes electrocardiographic changes. After reviewing more than 13 studies, I concluded that the volume of ice water and the position of the patient could explain the discrepant results of these studies (2). Large amounts of ice water (600 to 80OmL) have caused electrocardiographic changes, especially when the patient is in the supine position. Investigators testing smaller amounts of ice water (about 20OmL or one glass)