Electrolyte Disorders: Difference between revisions

Electrolyte Disorders (view source)

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 ==Hyperkalemia==
 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.