Transcript Miscellaneous EKG Changes Chapter 14

Pericarditis
• Is an inflammatory disease of the
pericardium, directly involving the
epicardium.
• Deposits of inflammatory cells and variable
amounts of serous, fibrous, purulent, or
hemorrhagic exudates within the pericardial
sac.
Electrolyte Imbalance
• Hyperkalemia
– Excess of serum potassium above normal levels of 3.5 - 5.0
mEq/L
– Kidney failure and certain diuretics
• Hypokalemia
– Deficiency of serum potassium below 3.5 mEq/L
– Vomiting, gastric suction, excessive diuretics
• Hypercalcemia
– Excess of serum calcium above normal levels of 2.1-2.6 mEq/L
– Adrenal insufficiency, hyperparathyroidism, immobilization,
kidney failure, malignancy, Vitamin A & D intoxication
• Hypocalcemia
– Shortage of calcium below 2.1 mEq/L
– Chronic steatorrhea, Diuretics, Rickets, Pregnancy Respiratory
alkalosis, Hyperventilation
Drug Effect
• All of the following in a therapeutic range
produces characteristic changes in the ECG
• Digitalis
– to treat CHF, A-fib, A-flutter, PSVT
• Procainamide
– Antiarrhythmic drug used to treat atrial and
ventricular cardiac rhythm disturbances
• Quinidine
– Antiarrhythmic drug used to control atrial
fibrillation