Drugs
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Alterations in serum electrolytes may frequently accompany ischaemic heart disease. Many of these patients are hypertensive and receive diuretic therapy which results in chronic lowering of serum potassium and magnesium. In addition, acute catecholamine-induced shifts of potassium into cells may also occur in the setting of acute myocardial ischaemia. ⋯ Diuretic-induced magnesium deficiency may be yet another factor favouring the emergence of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with ischaemic heart disease. While such electrolyte disturbances do not account for all of the ventricular irritability seen in patients with ischaemic heart disease, they represent easily identifiable and treatable risk factors. Primary prevention of these electrolyte disturbances in patients at risk for coronary ischaemia is recommended.