A Clinical Correlative Study of the Electrocardiogram in Electrolyte Imbalance

Abstract

There is no general agreement concerning the action of specific electrolyte disorders and acid-base balance upon the electrocardiogram nor concerning their interrelationships in this respect. In order to test the validity and limitations of the electrocardiographic diagnosis of such disorders in clinical practice, 133 records on 48 patients with suspected or established electrolyte imbalance were compared with chemical determinations, in part serial. Some difficulties encountered in the electrocardiographic diagnosis of mixed electrolyte disorders, and in the distinction of electrolyte from drug effects, are illustrated.