A Hospital Based Prospective Study to Evaluate the Role of Hypokalemia in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Background: Acute myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of death in the developed world. Hence; the present study was conducted for assessing the role of hypokalemia in acute myocardial infarction. Materials & Methods: A total of 100 patients with presence of AMI were enrolled. Complete demographic details of all the patients were obtained. Blood samples were obtained, and serum potassium levels were assessed using autoanalyzer. Normal serum potassium was defined as 3.5 - 5.5 meq/L. Serum potassium values less than 3.5 were categorized as hypokalemia, and values more than 5.5 were categorized as hyperkalemia. All the results were analysed by using SPSS software. Results: Mean potassium levels among AMI patients was 3.9 meq/L. Overall, Hypokalemia was present in 37 percent of the patients. Significant correlation was obtained while correlating arrhythmias and Hypokalemia. Conclusion: Hypokalemia is associated with poorer profile in AMI patients.