Congestive heart failure and ventricular arrhythmia in relation to magnesium, potassium and sodium in serum and erythrocytes
Bogdan, M.; Nartowicz, E.; Ukleja-Adamowicz, M.; Rozwodowska, M.
Kardiologia Polska 38(6): 417
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-9032 PMID: 8366653 Document Number: 418862
The aim of this study was to determine magnesium, potassium and sodium in plasma and erythrocytes in patients (14 male, 12 female; the average age 60.3) with congestive heart failure (CHF) (NYHA class II/III, III, IV) who were treated with digitalis, diuretics and vasodilators. All patients were subjected to 24 h ECG monitoring and ventricular arrhythmias classified according to LOWN, were analyzed in relation to electrolyte contents in erythrocytes and serum. Control group consisted of 20 persons (17 male; 3 female: the average age 58.7 years). Plasma and erythrocyte K and Na were determined by flame spectrophotometer; Mg was assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis was made by t-Student test. Results obtained suggest that patients with CHF require supplementation K+ with Mg2+ (tab. I). Our study has not revealed expected interrelationships between ventricular arrhythmias and electrolyte disturbances in patients with CHF. It should be stressed, however, that the small numbers of patients in the subgroups in our study might have blurred the possible relationship.