Electrolyte imbalance is a frequent and potentially hazardous complication in patients with heart failure.
Potassium keeps blood pressure levels stable, regulates heart contractions and helps with muscle functions…
HYPOKALAEMIA: HR slow and irregular, weak pulse, orthostatic hypotension, diminished breathing sounds. The heart may also arrest in diastole. ECG shows a depressed ST segment, flat or inverted T wave, and a U wave.
HYPERKALAEMIA: muscle weakness, low or absent urine production due to renal failure, respiratory failure, seizures, decreased cardiac contractility, low BP. ECG shows tall peaked T wave, flat P wave, wide QRS complex or prolonged QR interval.
Calcium helps with muscle contractions, nerve signaling, blood clotting, cell division, and the formation or maintenance of bones and teeth…
HYPOCALCAEMIA: heart beats slower due to the effect of calcium on heart contractility. Muscle spasms, arrhythmias. ECG shows prolonged QT interval or prolonged ST interval.
HYPERCALCAEMIA: heart beats faster due to the effect of calcium on heart contractility. Muscle weakness, absent reflexes, constipation, kidney stone formation. ECG shows shortened QT interval.
Magnesium is needed for muscle contractions, proper heart rhythms, nerve functioning, bone building, bone strength, reducing anxiety, digestion, and keeping a stable protein-fluid balance.
HYPOMAGNESEMIA: muscle twitching, positive Trusseau sign, weak respirations, irritability, high BP, involuntary movements, low bowel mobility. ECG shows tall T waves and depressed ST segment. Prolonged PR and QT intervals with wide QRS complex in case of severe hypomagnesemia.
HYPERMAGNESEMIA: Signs are showing only in severe cases: lethargy, ECG shows PR and QT prolonged intervals and wide QRS complex, hypotension, bradycardia, GI issues, impaired breathing, cardiac arrest.
Sodium helps maintain fluid balance, and is needed for muscle contractions and nerve signaling.
HYPONATREMIA: seizures, lethargy, abdominal cramping, orthostatic hypotension, muscle spasms, trouble concentration, lack of urine, lack of appetite, shallow respirations.
HYPERNATREMIA: fever, flushed skin, restlessness, agitation, increased fluid retention, oedema, confusion, dry mouth, dry skin, decreased urine output.
Below you can find a collection of videos that can help provide a more visual approach to electrolyte imbalance affecting the heart.
Hypokalaemia
Hyperkalaemia
Hypocalcaemia
hypercalcaemia
hypomagnesemia
hypermagnesemia
hyponatremia
hypernatremia
Special thanks to the creator of the featured videos on this post, specifically Youtube Channel Registered Nurse RN.
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