Hyperkalemia is defined as serum potassium level of
more than 5 mmol/L. Prompt identification of hyperkalemia
and appropriate management are critical,
since severe hyperkalemia can lead to lethal cardiac
dysrhythmias. There is a wide range of electrocardiogram
(EKG) changes associated with hyperkalemia.
The sequence of EKG changes has been previously
described with limited information to correlate the
level of potassium to a particular change in the EKG.
This study aims to describe a correlation between the
level of potassium and EKG changes in the presence
or absence of certain diagnoses, to determine which
EKG finding in the context of level of hyperkalemia,
should be considered life-threatening and prompt
emergency intervention. If a relationship between serum
levels of potassium and EKG changes is significant,
clinicians may be able to better monitor and
treat hyperkalemic patients. This paper reviews the
literature on hyperkalemia, potassium homeostasis
and EKG changes attributed to elevated potassium.