Did David Blaine's Electricity Stunt Cause Permanent Heart Damage?

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SUMMARY

David Blaine's recent electricity stunt involved enduring high-voltage shocks while wearing a protective suit, which reportedly failed to fully shield him from the electrical current. An EKG conducted after the stunt indicated an irregular heartbeat, raising concerns about potential permanent heart damage. The discussion highlights the dual nature of the event, intertwining physics and medical implications, particularly regarding the effects of prolonged exposure to electrical shocks and fatigue on heart health.

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  • Understanding of electrical safety and high-voltage physics
  • Basic knowledge of cardiology and heart rhythm abnormalities
  • Familiarity with EKG (electrocardiogram) interpretation
  • Awareness of endurance performance and its physiological impacts
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  • Research the effects of electrical shocks on the human body
  • Learn about EKG readings and their significance in diagnosing heart conditions
  • Investigate the physics behind electrical insulation and protective gear
  • Explore the physiological effects of extreme endurance stunts on cardiovascular health
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This discussion is beneficial for medical professionals, sports scientists, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in the intersection of performance art and health risks associated with high-voltage exposure.

leroyjenkens
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Did anyone see this? I just read about it. I don't watch TV, so I have no idea what's going on in the world. The internet is pretty good, but it didn't inform me about this.

I just read the Wikipedia article and it said "An ambulance transported him to a hospital where an EKG showed that the electrical shock had caused an irregularity in his heartbeat."

I guess this is kind of a physics question and a medical question.
1st, the suit he was wearing was supposed to be protecting him from the shock. And if it wasn't, how did he endure getting shocked for so long? Was it only partially shocking him?

And the "irregularity in his heartbeat" is permanent?

Thanks.
 
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According to this story:

http://news.yahoo.com/magician-david-blaine-unplugs-high-voltage-nyc-stunt-135044844.html

this was an endurance stunt. He spent 72 hours standing there. I would think fatigue had more to do with his irregular heart beat than the tesla coils.
 
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