RESUMEN
Normal contractile and electrical function of the myocyte and normal electrical activity of the specialized conduction system of the heart are dependent on ionic equilibrium and fluxes. This study reviews the relationship between erythrocyte, [RBCs], Lymphocyte [Ly] and plasma content of magnesium [Mg], Calcium [Ca], Potassium [K] and Sodium [Na] in patients with congestive heart failure [CHF]. These cations were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Our data revealed a significant increase in RBCs-Ca and RBCs-K, while RBCs-Na was significantly decreased and RBCs-Mg unchanged. Ly-Mg. Ca and K was significantly decreased, while Ly-Na not changed. On the other hand plasma-Mg and Ca levels were significantly decreased, while plasma-K and Na showed insignificant changes. In conclusion, the measurement of intracellular cations content provides important biochemical information of patients with congestive heart failure