Electrocardiogram analysis of 339 patients with abnormal blood potassium

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. Key words: Electrocardiography; Water-electrolyte imbalance; Blood gas analysis