Hyperkalaemia on ECG
February 15th, 2021
Overview
Potassium is important in maintaining membrane potentials, particularly in cardiac myocytes.
Hyperkalaemia, or an increased serum potassium concentration of >5mmol/L, shortens action potentials and reduces conduction velocity in cardiac myocytes.
Severity of Hyperkalaemia
- Mild - 5.0 - 6.5 mmol/L
- Moderate - 6.5 - 7.0 mmol/L
- Severe - >7.0 mmol/L
ECG Findings in Hyperkalaemia
Mild
- Tall, tented T waves
Moderate
- Reduction in P wave height
- Long PR interval
Severe
- Short QT interval
- Widening of QRS complex
- Sine wave QRS pattern
Life-Threatening
- Asystole
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