Dr. Aarti, Dr. Amandeep

ABSTRACT

Aims: The present study was conducted for assessing correlation of Potassium levels and acute myocardial infarction. Materials & methods: A total of 80 patients were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data were obtained. AMI was diagnosed on the basis of the triad of chest pain, electrocardiogram changes, and elevated serum cardiac enzyme levels. Serial serum potassium levels during hospitalization were obtained from the patients’ medical records and were reviewed. Patients were categorized into 6 groups to determine the relation between mean serum potassium and long-term mortality:<3.0, 3.0 to <3.5, 3.5 to <4.0, 4.0 to <4.5, 4.5 to <5.0, and 5 mEq/L. Results: Out of 80 patients, number of subjects with lower potassium levels i.e <3.0 mEq/L are 8 and death rate is 37.5 % whereas death rate is less in patients with potassium levels in the range of 3.5 to 4.5 mEq/L and further mortality increases with increased level of potassium i.e more than 5.0 mEq/L. This shows a U- shaped relationship between the mortality rate and the potassium levels. Conclusion: This study shows that there is a U shaped relationship between potassium levels and mortality rate of myocardial infarction.