Clinical value of electrocardiogram changes on the diagnosis of hyperkalemia

Abstract

Objective To research clinical significance of electrocardiogram(ECG) measuring in diagnosis of hyperkalemia. Methods ECG changes and serum potassium concentration from 72 cases have been analyzed and contrasted. Results Forty-one cases with hyperkalemia are detected by ECG changes. Coincidence rate is up to 56.9% with serum potassium test. When the serum potassium concentration exceeds 5.5mmol/L, the accuracy of ECG in diagnosis of hyperkalemia was 22.2%. The main features arc peaked T wave with tabernacle shape ;when the serum potassium concentration exceeds 6.7mmol/L, the accuracy of ECG in diagnosis of hyperkalemia was 74.3%. The main features are ST debased,P wave with low amplitude and time limit increased. Some patients appeared sinus node-ventride conduction. One or two appeared malignant ventricular arrbythmia; when the serum potassium concentration exceeds 10.0mmol/L,the accuracy of ECG was 100% ,most patients appeared malignant ventricular. Conclusion The electrocardiogram measurement has the better consistency with serum potassium test, and abnormal electrocardio-gram will be eccurred,when mixed other electrolyte unbalance. Pseudo-hyperkalemia can be distinguished accurately and conveniently by using this method. Key words: Hyperkaelaemia; Electrocardiogram; False positive reactions