| Theme |
Electrolyte and acid-base disorders in dialysis patients |
| Title |
Effect of serum potassium abnormalities on the heart |
| Author |
Nobuhiko Joki |
Department of Nephrology, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center |
| Author |
Ai Matsukane |
Department of Nephrology, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center |
| [ Summary ] |
Sudden cardiac death/sudden cardiac arrest is a major cause of cardiac events in patients on hemodialysis. Electrolyte disturbance is often seen in hemodialysis patients and plays a crucial role in the onset of critical arrhythmia. The imbalance of serum potassium is important because it can lead to life-threatening arrhythmic events. Several studies have identified both hyperkalemia and hypokalemia with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and sudden cardiac death in dialysis patients. This short review focused on the influence of imbalance of serum potassium on the electrical physiology of cardiac muscle cells. |