Hyperkalemia
(Last Updated - 8/13/2007)
-can be a side effect of Heparin tx.
-Heparin can infrequently inhibit adrenal aldosterone synthesis even @ low doses
-EKG Signs (In order of appearance):
-peaked T-waves
-progressive slowing of impulse condution:
-PR interval lengthens
-QRS duration increases
-conduction disturbances (RBBB, LBBB, bifasciular block or advanced AV block)
-p-wave may disappear -> result of atrial standstill
-sinus activity may persist w/out atrial activation --> impulse may travel to AV node along specialized intraatrial / internodal tracts rather than via the atrial myocardium (which has become unexcitable)
-ultimately --> QRS widens to a "sine wave" appearance --> ventricular standstill --> flat line
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