Skip to Main Content

ECG Findings

  • Flattened or inverted T waves

  • Prominent U waves that can merge with the T waves producing the appearance of a prolonged QT

  • ST-segment depression

  • Conduction disturbances

Pearls

  1. Hypokalemia can produce varied ECG changes associated with the repolarization phase of the cardiac cycle.

  2. Unlike hyperkalemia, in hypokalemia, there is no direct correlation with the potassium level and the severity of ECG changes. However, more ECG changes may become apparent as the potassium level falls.

  3. Suspect hypomagnesemia if the ECG does not normalize after potassium replacement.

FIGURE 23.49A

Hypokalemia. (ECG contributor: R. Jason Thurman, MD.)

FIGURE 23.49B

This ECG demonstrates multiple findings consistent with hypokalemia: flattened T waves (blue arrowhead), U waves (black arrowhead), prolonged QT (QU) intervals (double arrow), and ST-segment depression (arrow). This patient’s potassium level was 1.9.

Pop-up div Successfully Displayed

This div only appears when the trigger link is hovered over. Otherwise it is hidden from view.

  • Create a Free Profile