Which electrolyte imbalance can lead to arrhythmias?

Low potassium levels, or hypokalemia, can lead to arrhythmias due to the critical role potassium plays in maintaining the electrical stability of cardiac cells. Potassium is essential for proper cellular depolarization and repolarization during the cardiac cycle. When potassium levels drop, it can result in altered cardiac action potentials, leading to delayed repolarization and increased excitability of the myocardium.

This can manifest as various types of arrhythmias, including premature ventricular contractions, atrial fibrillation, and even life-threatening conditions such as ventricular tachycardia. Maintaining adequate potassium levels is crucial for the normal functioning of the heart and its electrical conduction system. An imbalance can disrupt the normal rhythm and lead to serious cardiovascular complications, highlighting the importance of monitoring and correcting potassium levels in at-risk patients.