Hypokalemia-induced arrhythmia: a case series

Ansari Mohammed Shoeb; Shaikh Ashar; Mudassir Ansari

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20240028

Authors

Ansari Mohammed Shoeb Department of Medicine, IIMSR Jalna, Maharashtra, India
Shaikh Ashar Department of Medicine, IIMSR Jalna, Maharashtra, India https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9421-6522
Mudassir Ansari Department of Medicine, IIMSR Jalna, Maharashtra, India https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8321-7078

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20240028

Keywords:

Hypokalemia, Potassium, Arrhythmia

Abstract

Potassium is one of the major intracellular electrolytes in the body and is normally maintained between 3.5 and 5.5 mEq/L. A serum K+ concentration below 3.5 mEq/L is considered hypokalemia. Electrolyte imbalances, particularly potassium disorders, are common in clinical practice. Potassium homeostasis plays a key role in regulating cell membrane excitability. Potassium is a major determinant of the electrophysiologic properties of the myocardial membrane, and it plays an important role in the occurrence of arrhythmia. Hypokalemia can lead to clinically significant, life-threatening arrhythmia. Typical electrocardiographic (ECG) features of hypokalemia include widespread ST depression, T wave inversion, and prominent U waves. However, hypokalemia may present with different types of arrhythmias as well. Herein, we present 3 cases presenting with hypokalemia-induced arrhythmias in different clinical scenarios with documented low potassium levels and treated with timely diagnosis and effective management.

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