Abstract
The common rhythm disturbances related to electrolyte imbalance are due predominantly to abnormalities of potassium. An understanding of the mechanism underlying these abnormalities is facilitated by a brief review of normal electrical activity during impulse propagation in cardiac tissue. Also discussed are the actions of all cardioactive and antiarrhythmic drugs on membrane permeability to ions. Lastly, the nonspecific arrhythmias associated with endocrine disturbances are outlined.
MeSH terms
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Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / adverse effects
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Arrhythmias, Cardiac / etiology*
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Arrhythmias, Cardiac / physiopathology
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Cardiovascular Agents / adverse effects
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Cimetidine / adverse effects
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Digitalis Glycosides / poisoning
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Electrocardiography
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Endocrine System Diseases / complications
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Humans
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Hypercalcemia / complications
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Hyperkalemia / complications
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Hypocalcemia / complications
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Hypokalemia / complications
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Magnesium / blood
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Psychotropic Drugs / adverse effects
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Water-Electrolyte Balance / drug effects
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Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / complications*
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Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / therapy
Substances
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Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
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Cardiovascular Agents
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Digitalis Glycosides
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Psychotropic Drugs
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Cimetidine
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Magnesium