In hyperkalemia, potassium at 5.5-6.5 mmol/L is typically associated with which ECG finding?

In hyperkalemia, potassium at 5.5-6.5 mmol/L is typically associated with which ECG finding?

• A. Tall tented T waves
• B. Loss of P waves
• C. Widening of the QRS
• D. Sine wave pattern

Answer: (A)

Potassium level affects how cardiac cells repolarize, so ECG changes reflect changes in how quickly ventricular cells reset after each beat. When potassium is in the range of about 5.5 to 6.5 mmol/L, the most typical finding is tall, peaked or tented T waves. This occurs because the elevated extracellular potassium speeds up repolarization, making the T waves appear taller. As potassium rises further, other changes occur—P waves may flatten or disappear and the QRS complex may widen due to slowed conduction. If potassium becomes severely high, a sine-wave pattern can develop, signaling a life-threatening situation. So the tall tented T waves are the characteristic finding at this level.

Potassium level affects how cardiac cells repolarize, so ECG changes reflect changes in how quickly ventricular cells reset after each beat. When potassium is in the range of about 5.5 to 6.5 mmol/L, the most typical finding is tall, peaked or tented T waves. This occurs because the elevated extracellular potassium speeds up repolarization, making the T waves appear taller. As potassium rises further, other changes occur—P waves may flatten or disappear and the QRS complex may widen due to slowed conduction. If potassium becomes severely high, a sine-wave pattern can develop, signaling a life-threatening situation. So the tall tented T waves are the characteristic finding at this level.