Advanced Disturbances of the Cardiac Mechanism in Potassium Intoxication in Man

Abstract

The use of the artificial kidney at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in the treatment of acute renal shutdown has afforded a unique and extensive opportunity to study the disturbances of rhythm and conduction occurring in potassium intoxication. In this theoretic, and at times frankly speculative, paper the authors present evidence which suggests the applicability to man of Wiggers' views based upon animal experimentation, namely that the ectopic rhythms developing in this condition arise "by default" (escape mechanisms) rather than "by usurpation" (increased excitability) and that potassium exerts its early and preponderant effect upon the subendocardial layers of the human ventricle.