Ventricular arrhythmias and hypokalaemia

Lancet. 1976 Jul 31;2(7979):231-3. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(76)91029-1.

Abstract

Two cases of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia (torsade de pointes) due to chronic mild hypokalaemia, caused by hyperaldosteronism and familial periodic paralysis are described. Correction of the hypokalaemia, supplemented by mexiletine, controlled the arrhythmias.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arrhythmia, Sinus / etiology
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / etiology*
  • Cardiac Complexes, Premature / etiology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperaldosteronism / complications
  • Hypokalemia / complications*
  • Hypokalemia / etiology
  • Paralyses, Familial Periodic / complications
  • Potassium / blood
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / etiology

Substances

  • Potassium