Arteriovenous potassium changes and ventricular arrhythmias after coronary artery occlusion

Abstract

In the dog, occlusion of either the anterior descending coronary artery or its branches was followed by discharge of potassium into the accompanying local vein. Serious ventricular arrhythmias occurred frequently after occlusion of the descending artery or its terminal branch, but not after occlusion of anterolateral or apical branches. Anatomical factors appeared to be of greater importance than an increase in coronary venous potassium concentration in determining the onset of serious arrhythmias soon after coronary artery occlusion.