Abstract
Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of electrolyte disorders and renal dysfunction in patients with chronic heart failure.
Methodology: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Patients admitted to cardiology department Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar with acute decompensation of chronic heart failure from September 2010 to October 2011 were included in the study. Blood samples were collected for serum electrolytes and creatinine and results were recorded on a pre-specified proforma. Data was stored and analyzed via SPSS version 16.
Results: Total of 227 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 58.48 +/- 12.5 years (range 16-90). Male were 130 (57.3%). Of these 27.3% (62) were <= 50 year, while 72.7% (165) were > 50 years old. Patients having renal dysfunction (Serum Creatinine> 1.5mg/dl) were 37.4% (85). Renal dysfunction was more common in elderly (40% vs 30.6%, p value= 0.220) Hyponatremia (S. Na+< 135mmol/dl) was noted in 32.1% patients. Hypokalemia (S. K+< 3.6mmol/dl) was noted in 18.1% patients and hyperkalemia (S. K+ > 5.5mmol/dl) was noted in 16.7% patients. In addition hyperkalemia was more common in patients with renal dysfunction (24.7% vs 12% P value= 0.017), while hypokalemia was less frequent in patients with renal dysfunction (14.1% vs 20.4% p value= 0.286).
Conclusion: Electrolyte disorders and renal dysfunction are frequent in patients with chronic heart failure. Electrolyte disturbances are more frequent in patients with underlying renal dysfunction.