Hyperkalaemia

Question 1

What is hyperkalaemia ?

Answer 1

Increase in potassium in the extracellular space which decreases myocardial activity.

Question 2

ECG changes only occur in how many patients?

Answer 2

under 50% therefore history is key

Question 3

How do I recognise Hyperkalaemia ?

Answer 3

• Peaked tented T waves
• P wave widened and flattened
• prolonged PR segment

Question 4

Recognition - severe hyperkalaemia

Answer 4

• Wide and bizarre QRS morphology
• AF
• Heart blocks
• Cardiac arrest

Question 5

What leads can Hyperkalaemia be present in?

Answer 5

All

Question 6

Signs and symptoms of Hyperkalaemia

Answer 6

• Chest pain
• palpitations
• Muscle cramps
• Bradycardia

Question 7

Significance of hyperkalaemia

Answer 7

pt suffering renal failure treated via haemodilysis, prescribed angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE) inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics are at increased chance of suffering from hyperkalaemia.