Are ECG Abnormalities Important in Patients with Hypokalemia?

Although electrocardiogram abnormalities are common, they are poor predictors of acute illness and short-term mortality.

Hypokalemia is common in hospitalized patients and often is associated with electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities. However, the prevalence and clinical significance of these findings has not been established. Researchers in Denmark and Sweden performed a multicenter cohort study of 80,000 adult patients who presented to emergency departments (EDs). Patients with hyperkalemia (defined in this study as potassium level >4.4 mmol/L) were excluded.

The incidence of hypokalemia (potassium level, <3.5 mmol/L) was 9.0%. ECG abnormalities were present in 40% of hypokalemic patients and included t-wave flattening/inversion, ST-segment depression, QTc prolongation, longer QRS duration, and high heart rate. Hypokalemia was associated with excess risk fo…

Reviewing Author

Neil H. Winawer, MD, SFHM

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Neil H. Winawer, MD, SFHM

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Are ECG Abnormalities Important in Patients with Hypokalemia?

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Reviewing Author