What effect could Hypokalemia potentially have on the heart?!
Question: What effect could Hypokalemia potentially have on the heart?
I know that Hypokalemia causes dysrhythmias, but can someone please explain exactly why? I have always been a bit fuzzy on the electrical behavior of the myocardium. Thanks!
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
In severe cases, patients can develop paralysis that can be life threatening. Hypokalemia also can lead to dangerous irregular heartbeat. Over time, lack of potassium can lead to kidney damage (hypokalemic nephropathy).
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypokalemia