Thanks to Dr. Freedman for today’s Morning Report!
Part 1:
ECG Findings of Hypokalemia
First some definitions:
- Mild: K < 3.5 mmol/L
- Moderate: K < 3.0
- Severe: K < 2.5
ECG Changes:
- Typically appear at ~2.7
- Increased amplitude and duration of P wave
- PR prolongation
- T wave flattening and inversion
- ST depression
- Prominent U waves
- Apparent long QT due to fusion of T and U waves
Why do we care?
- It’s one of the H’s & T’s
- Tachydysrhythmias, including VT, Vfib and PVT
Helpful Pointer:
- Hypokalemia is often accompanied by hypomag
- Replete magnesium too
Reference:
http://lifeinthefastlane.com/ecg-library/basics/hypokalaemia/
The views expressed on this blog are the author's own and do not reflect the views of their employer. Please read our full disclaimer here. Any references to clinical cases refer to patients treated at a virtual hospital, Janus General Hospital.
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Jay Khadpe MD
Editor in Chief of "The Original Kings of County"
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Assistant Residency Director
SUNY Downstate / Kings County Hospital
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