Electrolyte Disorders: Difference between revisions

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==Hyperkalemia==
==Hyperkalemia==
ECG characteristics of hyperkalemia, high blood potassium:
ECG characteristics of hyperkalemia, high blood potassium:
*Tall peaked T waves
*P-waves are widened and of low amplitude due to slowing of conduction
*Flattening p-waves. In extreme hyperkalemia p-waves may disappear altogether.
*QRS complex:
*Prolonged depolarization leading to QRS widening (nonspecific intraventricular conduction defect) sometimes > 0.20 seconds
**QRS widening
**fusion of QRS-T
**loss of the ST segment
*Tall tented T waves
 
The initial part of the QRS complex is often spared as purkinje fibers are less sensitive to hyperkalemia.
These changes can also occur in acidosis (via the same mechanism) and during Class IC anti-arrhythmic intoxication.


At concentrations > 7.5 mmol/L atrial and [[Ventricular Fibrillation|ventricular fibrillation]] can occur.
At concentrations > 7.5 mmol/L atrial and [[Ventricular Fibrillation|ventricular fibrillation]] can occur.

Revision as of 16:05, 20 September 2011

Author(s) J.S.S.G. de Jong
Moderator T.T. Keller
Supervisor
some notes about authorship

Hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia, high blood calcium, speeds 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, low blood calcium:

  • 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, high blood potassium:

  • P-waves are widened and of low amplitude due to slowing of conduction
  • QRS complex:
    • QRS widening
    • fusion of QRS-T
    • loss of the ST segment
  • Tall tented T waves

The initial part of the QRS complex is often spared as purkinje fibers are less sensitive to hyperkalemia. These changes can also occur in acidosis (via the same mechanism) and during Class IC anti-arrhythmic intoxication.

At concentrations > 7.5 mmol/L atrial and ventricular fibrillation can occur.


Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia, low blood potassium, results in:

  • ST depression and flattening of the T wave
  • Negative T waves
  • A U-wave may be visible