Sinus arrest and moderate hyperkalemia.

Abstract

Hyperkalemia, especially if severe, is a frequent cause of cardiac rhythm pathologies. Sinus arrest of sudden onset is more likely to occur when the potassium level is very high (e.g. > 8 mmol/l) but in concomitance with negative chronotropic drugs it may occur even in presence of a moderate hyperkalemia. This case report highlights the fact that these kinds of drugs, especially in combination, are probably to be avoided in patients at risk of developing hyperkalemia (e.g. diabetics, renal failure, etc.), even of moderate degree, considering this life-threatening cardiac complication.