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(Hypertension. 2006;48:201.)
© 2006 American Heart Association, Inc.

Editorial Commentaries

Potassium Depletion and Diastolic Dysfunction

David B. Young

From the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Miss.

Correspondence to David B. Young, Department of Physiology and Biophysics University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State St, Jackson, MS 39216-4505. E-mail dyoung@physiology.umsmed.edu

An extract of the first 250 words of the full text is provided, because this article has no abstract.

Changes in extracellular potassium concentration affect nearly all aspects of myocardial function. Reductions in potassium concentration alter the resting membrane potential, membrane conductance for sodium and potassium, repolarization time, relative refractory time, and conduction velocity. The arrhythmogenic consequences of these effects of potassium depletion are well recognized by the medical community. However, the potential influence of hypokalemia on mechanical function of the heart has not been as thoroughly appreciated. More than 10 years ago, Fitzovich et al^1,2 analyzed changes in left ventricular mechanical function of dogs who were either potassium replete or moderately depleted as a result of 7 days of low-potassium intake together with a high-sodium intake and thiazide diuretics. The depleted dogs had a mean plasma potassium concentration of 3.2 mmol/L. The investigators observed in the depleted dogs significant impairment of both systolic and diastolic function, with the most striking effect noted in peak rate of ventricular filling, reduced by &49% during acute elevation of preload. The same group extended the study to normal volunteers age 22 to 30 years whose cardiac mechanical function was studied noninvasively by echo and Doppler techniques.^2,3 Compared with the potassium replete state, during potassium depletion (plasma potassium reduced by 1.0 mmol/L), the peak rate of ventricular filling was reduced by 14%.

The study of the effect of potassium depletion on diastolic function in hypertensive rats by Matsui et al⁴ described in the accompanying article has added significantly to the understanding of the mechanism of the actions of potassium to affect relaxation and . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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