Atropine-resistant bradycardia due to hyperkalaemia

Symptomatic sinus bradycardia is routinely treated in the emergency department with atropine and pacing. Two cases are presented that illustrate the importance of considering hyperkalaemia, particularly in the presence of atropine-resistant symptomatic bradycardia. The administration of calcium in s...

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Veröffentlicht in:	Emergency medicine journal : EMJ 2008-09, Vol.25 (9), p.611-612
Hauptverfasser:	Slade, T J, Grover, J, Benger, J
Format:	Artikel
Sprache:	eng
Schlagworte:	Aged Aged, 80 and over Anti-Arrhythmia Agents - therapeutic use Atropine - therapeutic use Blood pressure Bradycardia - drug therapy Bradycardia - etiology Cardiac arrhythmia Drug Resistance Electrocardiography Emergency medical care Heart attacks Heart rate Humans Hyperkalemia - complications Laboratories Male Potassium
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Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:	Symptomatic sinus bradycardia is routinely treated in the emergency department with atropine and pacing. Two cases are presented that illustrate the importance of considering hyperkalaemia, particularly in the presence of atropine-resistant symptomatic bradycardia. The administration of calcium in such cases acts to stabilise the myocardium and resolve the bradycardia. Blood gas analysis provides a rapid estimate of serum potassium concentrations, facilitating timely treatment.
ISSN:	1472-0205 1472-0213
DOI:	10.1136/emj.2007.054114