[Quantitative K and Na levels in different parts of the heart in cases of sudden death from coronary disease, acquired heart valve defects and violent death].

The quantitative potassium and sodium contents in the separate regions of the heart and m. rectus abdominis in cases of sudden and violent death were investigated. The disturbances of the electrolyte metabolism of potassium and sodium were established to be the earliest changes in coronary disease (acute coronary insufficiency resulting from functional disturbances of the coronary circulation and myocardial infarction). The decrease of the quantitative potassium contents and sodium increase in myocardium depend on the ischemia duration and the stage of the myocardial lesion. The highest potassium decrease was observed in the left ventricle and right auricle. Not very high but even decrease of potassium and sodium contents in the separate heart regions was observed in the deceased by electrocution and strangulation, the decrease being most negligible in the deceased by electrocution. The changes observed in potassium and sodium contents are not pathognomic signs of coronary disease. Only the sharp, focal decrease of the contents of those element is a reliable sign of myocardial infarction.