Thiazide-induced hypokalemia. Association with acute myocardial infarction and ventricular fibrillation
M. Duke
Ten of 59 patients (17%) were receiving a thiazide preparation at the time
of an acute myocardial infarction and ventricular fibrillation. Hypokalemia
was present in seven of eight patients (87%) receiving thiazides, whereas
it was observed in only one of 38 patients (2.6%) not receiving these
medications. If hypokalemia is present in patients receiving thiazides who
have had an acute myocardial infarction, it should be corrected so as to
remove this predisposing cause of ventricular fibrillation.
