Electrocardiogram analysis of 339 patients with abnormal blood potassium / 中国医师进修杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To research the electrocardiogram (ECG) manifestations of common electrolyte disturbance and to discuss the accuracy of ECG diagnosis. Methods One hundred and sixty-nine hospitalized patients with hyperkalemia and 170 patients with hypokalemia were selected and the results of ECG were analyzed. Results In mild hyperkalemia patients (serum potassium concentration 5.5- 6.5 mmol/L), the ECG abnormal rate was 91.4% (64/70). In mild hypokalemia patients (serum potassium concentration 3.0-3.5 mmol/L), the ECG abnormal rate was 56.9% (41/72). There was significant difference (P < 0.05). The greater the deviation of serum potassium concentration, the more obvious the characteristic changes of ECG. Conclusions In addition to the blood biochemical test, ECG is also a kind of check tool that can help to diagnose abnormal blood potassium.