Quantitative Analysis of the Electrocardiographic Pattern of Hypopotassemia

Abstract
Electrocardiographic patterns typical of hypopotassemia and compatible with hypopotassemia were defined on the basis of the number of electrocardiographic signs of hypopotassemia present in 2 leads (generally leads II and V 3 ). In 50 hypopotassemic patients a good correlation was found between the electrocardiographic pattern and plasma potassium concentration. Appearance of the electrocardiographic signs of hypopotassemia was not prevented by disturbance of other plasma electrolytes or by blood pH.