Effect of potassium infusion on the human conduction system.

His bundle electrograms were recorded in 12 patients before and after the intravenous administration of 5 mEq of potassium. Antegrade and retrograde refractory periods were determined with the extrastimulus technique. The AH interval was 84 +/- 7 msec before and 89 +/- 7 msec after potassium (P < 0.05). The AH interval at an atrial pacing rate of 140/minute was 129 +/- 13 msec before and 143 +/- 16 msec after potassium (P < 0.02). The effective refractory period of the atrium was 264 +/- 9 msec before and 280 +/- 9 msec after potassium (P < 0.001). Thus small amounts of potassium delay conduction at the atrial and AV nodal level.