Initial serum potassium level in relation to early complications and prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

During two years 450 patients with AMI have been treated in the CCU at Serafimerlasarettet. Serum potassium level was determined in 444 patients on admission. Hyperkalaemia was a rare finding associated with a bad state on admission and a poor prognosis. Hypokalaemia was recorded in 15% of the patients and was associated with previous diuretic treatment, supraventricular bradycardia as well as atrial flutter and fibrillation during the first 24 hours in the CCU. Ventricular ectopic beats and venticular tachycardia were also seen more frequently in hypokalaemic than in other patients.