What effect can hyperkalemia have on the heart?

Hyperkalemia, which refers to elevated levels of potassium in the blood, can have significant and dangerous effects on the heart, most notably leading to cardiac arrhythmias. The heart relies on a delicate balance of electrolytes, including potassium, to maintain a normal rhythm and contract effectively. When potassium levels become too high, it alters the electrical impulses that control the heartbeat, leading to various types of arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia, which can be life-threatening.

The effects of hyperkalemia on the heart can be observed on an electrocardiogram (ECG), where changes such as peaked T-waves, widening of the QRS complex, and eventually the disappearance of the P wave can indicate increasing levels of potassium. Therefore, the critical association between hyperkalemia and the risk of arrhythmias makes this the correct choice.

Understanding the heart’s response to electrolyte imbalances is particularly important for healthcare professionals, especially those involved in managing patients undergoing hemodialysis, as they need to monitor potassium levels closely to prevent such cardiac complications.