EKG Findings of Hypokalemia

Thanks to Dr. Freedman for today’s Morning Report!

Part 1:

ECG Findings of Hypokalemia

First some definitions:

• Mild: K < 3.5 mmol/L
• Moderate: K < 3.0
• Severe: K < 2.5

ECG Changes:

• Typically appear at ~2.7
• Increased amplitude and duration of P wave
• PR prolongation
• T wave flattening and inversion
• ST depression
• Prominent U waves
• Apparent long QT due to fusion of T and U waves

Why do we care?

• It’s one of the H’s & T’s
• Tachydysrhythmias, including VT, Vfib and PVT

Helpful Pointer:

• Hypokalemia is often accompanied by hypomag
• Replete magnesium too

Reference:

http://lifeinthefastlane.com/ecg-library/basics/hypokalaemia/

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• Bio
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Jay Khadpe MD

• Editor in Chief of "The Original Kings of County"
• Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
• Assistant Residency Director
• SUNY Downstate / Kings County Hospital

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