SERUM ELECTROLYTE LEVELS AND CLINICAL FEATURES OF PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate electrolyte levels in patients diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and to assess whether these levels can be used as a prognostic predictor.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: A total of 5 months at Cardiac Department of Civil Hospital Karachi, from Oct 2015 to Feb 2016.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 200 patients was conducted using Open EPI 3.03. After taking consent form, patient diagnosed by ACS. Demographic detail, laboratory test and electrolyte levels performed.

Results: Of the 200 patients included in the study, there was a male preponderance with 125 (62.5%) being male and 75 (37.5%) being female. 126 (63%) out of the 200 patients were aged over 50 at the time of presentation. The levels of potassium were significantly normal with only 50 (25%) of the values being abnormal. While sodium values showed a nearly equal divide with 90 (45%) of the values exhibiting derangement. In nearly half of the cases, Trop T levels were positive (53%) with 57% of the positive results skewed towards the greater than 50 years
age group.

Conclusion: There was found to be no positive correlation between electrolyte levels and diagnosis of ACS. Potassium is a significantly poor prognostic marker in patients diagnosed with ACS, with sodium being, relatively, a more specific one.