View source for Electrolyte Disorders

{{authors|
|mainauthor= [[user:Drj|J.S.S.G. de Jong]]
|moderator= [[T.T. Keller]]
|supervisor= 
}}
==Hypercalcemia==
Hypercalcemia results in a faster repolarization. Characteristics of hypercalcemia:
*Mild: broad based tall peaking T waves
*Severe: extremely wide QRS, low R wave, disappearance of p waves, tall peaking T waves.

==Hypocalcemia==
ECG-characteristics of hypocalcemia:
*Narrowing of the QRS complex
*Reduced PR interval
*T wave flattening and inversion
*Prolongation of the QT-interval 
*Prominent U-wave
*Prolonged ST and ST-depression

==Hyperkalemia==
ECG characteristics of hyperkalemia:
*Tall peaked T waves
*Flattening p-waves. In extreme hyperkalemia p-waves may disappear altogether.
*Prolonged depolarization leading to QRS widening (nonspecific intraventricular conduction defect) sometimes > 0.20 seconds

At concentrations > 7.5 mmol/L atrial and [[Ventricular Fibrillation|ventricular fibrillation]] can occur.
<gallery consecutive ECGs of a patient with severe hypokalemia>
Image:KJcasu18-3.jpg|Consecutive ECGs of a patient with hyperkalemia. ECG1
Image:KJcasu18-2.jpg|Consecutive ECGs of a patient with hyperkalemia. ECG2
Image:KJcasu18-1.jpg|Consecutive ECGs of a patient with hyperkalemia. After correction of potassium levels. ECG3
</gallery>
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==Hypokalemia==
Hypokalemia, low blood potassium, results in:
*ST depression and flattening of the T wave
*Negative T waves
*A U-wave may be visible
<gallery>
Image:KJcasu17-1.jpg| patient A
Image:KJcasu17-2.jpg| patient A
Image:KJcasu17-3.jpg| patient B
Image:JJ0003.jpg| Patient C, Potassiumlevel of 1.5
</gallery>
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