Introduction: Magnesium (Mg++), Potassium (K+) and Calcium (CA+) are crucial electrolytes in maintaining a stable electrophysiological status in critically ill patients (P.) The purpose of this study was to measure the above electrolytes in critically ill P.
Methods: 28 consecutive P. were analyzed for abnormalities in the electrolytes status. 18 were females and 10 males with a mean age of 62 years.
Results: The admission diagnosis in 95% of the cases was congestive heart failure. Levels of these electrolytes and arrhythmias were analyzed. 64% had subnormal values of Mg++ < than 2mg% (1.8 ± .2mg%). 53 % of K+ < than 4.0mg% (3.8 ± .7mg%) and CA++ < 8mg% (7.4 ± .1mg%). Lower values of the 3 (14%) and (42%) of Mg+-K+. The QTC interval was increase (>440msec) in 28%. 25% had Atrial Fibrillation (A.F.) and Ventricular Tachycardia (V.T.).
Conclusions: This data shows that Mg++ and K+ deficiency produces A.F. and V.T in critically ill P.