Major Electrolytes Imbalance in Chronic Heart Failure Patients

Abstract

Objective:   To assess the major electrolytes (Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride) in chronic heart failure patients.

Study Design: Case Control Study.

Place and Duration of Study:  This study was conducted at Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases from April to December 2003.

Materials and Methods: A sample size of 90 was drawn through non- probability purposive sampling, 45 were diagnosed cases of chronic heart failure, 45 healthy people. Age, sex were matched. Serum electrolytes (Mg++, Ca⁺⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^-) were determined.  Renal function parameters urea, creatinine was determined. Age group was b/w 35-65 years. Data was analyzed on the SPSS 16.

Results: Mean values of serum electrolytes (Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Chloride) were significantly low (1.72+- 0.48, 7.46+-1.23, 3.78+_ 0.54, 99.80+-8.89) respectively in chronic heart failure patients when compared with control people.

Conclusion:  The study concluded patients with chronic heart failure manifest a variety of electrolyte abnormalities hypomagnesaemia, hypocalcaemia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia, as a result of diuretics, digoxin therapy.