The electrocardiographic manifestations of hyperkalemia have been well described. We report a patient with chronic congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation for 6
years, who converted to sinus rhythm during an episode of hyperkalemia. To our knowl edge, this is the first report of hyperkalemia- induced conversion of chronic atrial fibrilla tion to sinus mechanism.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Fisch, C., Knoebel, S.B., Feigenbaum, H., et al.: Potassium and the monophasic action potential, electrocardiogram, conduction and arrhythmias. Prog. Cardiovasc. Dis.8: 387-418, 1966.
2.
De Mello, W.C. , Hoffman, B.F.: Potassium ions and electrical activity of specialized cardiac fibers. Am. Heart J., 88: 360-371, 1974.
3.
Ettinger, P.O. , Regan, T.J., Olderwurtel, H.A.: Hyperkalemia, cardiac conduction and the electrocardiogram—A review. Am. Heart J., 88: 360-371, 1974.
4.
Bettinger, J.C. , Surawicz, B., Bryfogle, J.W., et al.: The effect of intravenous administration of potassium chloride on ectopic rhythms, ectopic beats, and disturbances in A.V. conduction. Am. J. Med., 21: 521-533, 1956.
5.
Laragh, J.H. : The effects of potassium chloride on hyperkalemia . J. Clin. Invest., 33: 807-818, 1954.
6.
Brown, H., Tanner, G.N., Hecht, H.H.: The effects of potassium salts in subjects with heart disease. J. Lab. Clin. Med., 37: 506, 1951.
