Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening arrhythmia, and thus recognizing related patterns on the ECG is crucial. The ECG findings of hyperkalemia change as the potassium level increases ...

Renal or cardiac disease. Monitor potassium level, clinical status, acid-base balance, and ECG. Elderly. Pregnancy (Cat.C). Nursing mothers. Avoid concomitant potassium-sparing diuretics.

Peaked T waves best seen in the precordial leads, shortened QT interval and, sometimes, ST segment depression. Widening of the QRS complex. This usually requires a potassium level of 6.5 or ...