Serum Potassium Levels and Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective: To determine the effect of serum potassium levels on short term mortality outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods: This Descriptive Case Series was conducted in the CCU of Mayo Hospital Lahore from 15th November, 2017 to 15th May, 2018. A total of 156 patients of either sex between the age group of 30-60 years and diagnosed as cases of myocardial infarction with symptoms of less than 24 hours duration and serum potassium level of <3.5 mEq/L were included in the study. Patients were then followed up for 7 days and adverse outcome was recorded. Data was analyzed using computer software SPSS Version 22.0. Results: Out of the 156 patients, 119 (76.3%) were males and 37 (23.7%) were females. Mean age of the patients was 47.88±6.24 years, mean weight 85.31±13.14 Kg, mean duration of presenting complaints was 10.269±4.51 hours and mean Serum Potassium levels were 3.05±0.25 mEq/L. Adverse outcome in the form of mortality due to arrhythmias was seen in 15 (9.6%) patients. Conclusion: Low serum potassium level (<3.5mEq/L/L) was significantly associated with increased adverse outcome in acute myocardial infarction patients. Keywords: Acute myocardial infarction, Low serum potassium levels, Adverse outcome How to cite: Abbas R., Nazar T, Aziz B., Saeed F., Nawaz K., Nabeel M. serum potassium levels and adverse outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Esculapio 2021;17(01):5-8