EVALUATION OF SERUM ELECTROLYTES IN ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE PATIENTS.
Author: P. KUGHAPRIYA, D. PONNUDHALI, EVANGELINE JONES
Category: Biochemistry
Abstract:
Background: Electrolyte abnormalities in cardiovascular emergencies are widely studied all over the world as they are mostly found to be associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia are associated with risk of sudden death.
Aim and Objective: To evaluate serum levels of magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate in patients with Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD).
Materials and Methods: The study group comprises of 30 Ischemic Heart Disease Patients (Group2) and 30 healthy volunteers (Group1) who were age sex matched. Serum electrolytes namely sodium, potassium and chloride were estimated using ISE electrolyte analyser. Serum magnesium and bicarbonate were estimated by semiautoanalyser.
Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Version 16.
Results: There is significant reduction (p = 0.000) in serum magnesium levels in IHD patients of group 2 when compared to group 1 controls. The serum potassium levels were significantly low (p= 0.001) in group 2 patients from that of their healthy counterparts. There is also a decrease (p = 0.027) in serum bicarbonate levels in IHD patients compared to controls. There was no variation in serum sodium and chloride levels among the 2 groups.
Conclusion: Statistically significant reduction in serum magnesium levels in IHD has to be viewed with caution as it has an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Hypokalemia is an independent risk factor for heart failure. Serum potassium and bicarbonate though decreased in the IHD patients are still in the low normal range.
