IC Value
Search
About Us
Authors
Reviewers
Editorial Board
Contact Us

A study of serum electrolytes sodium and potassium in relation to arrhythmias after acute myocardial infarction

Authors:Verma Shubhangi , Vikki , Sharma SK
Int J Biol Med Res. 2014; 5(3): 4332-4335  |  PDF File

Abstract

Objectives To estimate serum sodium and potassium concentration in patients of acute myocardial infarction with and without arrhythmia and to correlate them with the frequency of occurrence and prognosis of arrhythmias. Material and Methods Seventy five patients of acute myocardial infarction with and without arrhythmia were studied with a mean age of 55 yrs.Twenty five age and sex matched healthy controls were also included in the study. Results Serum sodium concentration was not affected in patients of acute myocardial infarction with and without arrhythmia. In patients of acute myocardial infarction,hypokalemia was present in 29.3% of cases.Serum potassium concentration was significantly decreased in patients of acute myocardial infarction with arrhythmia. (3.9+87) as compared to patients of acute myocardial infarction without arrhythmia (4.3+46). Previous medication with diuretics was associated with hypokalemia (75%) without affecting the serum sodium concentration. After acute myocardial infarction, tachyarrhythmias (16%) were mor commonly present likeventricular premature beats, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Hypokalemia was more commonl associated with ventricular premature beats (13.6%) ventricular tachycardia (18.1%) and ventricular fibrillation(9%),while hyperkalemia was associated with complete heart block (40%). Mortality was more in males(31.4%) as compared to females (19%) and in patients with ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation associated with hypokalemia (27.2%). Conclusion In acute myocardial infarction hypokalemia may be an important predictor of life threatening arrhythmia and should be treated whenever detected.