What type of ECG change is typically associated with hypokalemia?

What type of ECG change is typically associated with hypokalemia?

• A. Prolonged QRS complex
• B. Flattened T waves
• C. Inverted P waves
• D. Shortened QT interval

Answer: (B)

Hypokalemia, which refers to low levels of potassium in the blood, commonly leads to specific changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG). One of the hallmark features of hypokalemia is the appearance of flattened T waves. This alteration occurs because potassium plays a critical role in the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential. When potassium levels are deficient, repolarization is affected, leading to changes in the shape of the T wave. Flattened T waves are a direct indicator of this disruption, as they reflect slower or incomplete repolarization of the ventricles. This alteration can also predispose the patient to other serious arrhythmias due to prolonged repolarization effects. Understanding this characteristic change is vital for healthcare providers in identifying and managing hypokalemia effectively. The other changes listed, such as a prolonged QRS complex, inverted P waves, or a shortened QT interval, do not specifically or prominently correlate with hypokalemia in the same way as flattened T waves do, which can help differentiate hypokalemia from other electrolyte imbalances and cardiac conditions.

Hypokalemia, which refers to low levels of potassium in the blood, commonly leads to specific changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG). One of the hallmark features of hypokalemia is the appearance of flattened T waves. This alteration occurs because potassium plays a critical role in the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential. When potassium levels are deficient, repolarization is affected, leading to changes in the shape of the T wave.

Flattened T waves are a direct indicator of this disruption, as they reflect slower or incomplete repolarization of the ventricles. This alteration can also predispose the patient to other serious arrhythmias due to prolonged repolarization effects. Understanding this characteristic change is vital for healthcare providers in identifying and managing hypokalemia effectively.

The other changes listed, such as a prolonged QRS complex, inverted P waves, or a shortened QT interval, do not specifically or prominently correlate with hypokalemia in the same way as flattened T waves do, which can help differentiate hypokalemia from other electrolyte imbalances and cardiac conditions.