Paucis Verbis: Electrolytes and ECG changes

Image from Life in the Fast Lane

The electrocardiogram can pick up all sorts of electrolyte abnormalities. The most common abnormalities revolve around high and low levels of potassium and calcium. Magnesium derangements typically have nonspecific findings. How do you keep things straight? To make things more complicated, multiple electrolyte derangements can occur at the same time, making ECG interpretation challenging.

Thanks to Dr. Steve Field (Resident at Resurrection EM program) for the idea and card. Also take a look at Life In the Fast Lane's extensive review of ECG abnormalities and their causes.

Feel free to download this card and print on a 4'' x 6'' index card.

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See other Paucis Verbis cards.

Reference

Diercks DB, Shumaik GM, Harrigan RA, Brady WJ, Chan TC. Electrocardiographic manifestations: electrolyte abnormalities. J Emerg Med. 2004 Aug;27(2):153-60. Pubmed .