key: cord-0843064-rfikhf2i
authors: Rezazadeh, Amir; Mohebbi, Niayesh
title: Main challenges of electrolyte imbalance in older patients with coronavirus disease and risk of QT prolongation
date: 2020-08-04
journal: Rev Esp Cardiol (Engl Ed)
DOI: 10.1016/j.rec.2020.07.012
sha: 7447498dd045881257fd30fbf3dd04b10eac68dd
doc_id: 843064
cord_uid: rfikhf2i

nan

The topic of this consensus document is valuable and important; however, we encountered ambiguities and questions in one part of the article.

In table 3 of the article, in the description of the adverse cardiovascular effects of drugs investigated for COVID-19 treatment, the authors state that correction of hyperkalemia and hypermagnesemia is vital, while correction of hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia may be particularly imperative since low serum levels of potassium and magnesium enhances the possibility of QT prolongation. 2 Hypokalemia, probably by modification of ion potassium channel function, can prolong the QT interval in a manner that results in heterogeneity and dispersion of repolarization. Similarly, hypomagnesemia is a well-established predisposing risk factor for torsade de pointes. 3 In addition, potassium deficiency seems to be common in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). 4 Several findings indicated that serum potassium should be maintained in the high normal

Joint document of the Section on Geriatric Cardiology of the Spanish Society of Cardiology and the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology

Mechanisms, risk factors, and management of acquired long QT syndrome: a comprehensive review

Prevention of torsade de pointes in hospital settings: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology Foundation endorsed by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and the International Society for Computerized Electrocardiology

Electrolyte imbalances in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Pharmacological treatment of acquired QT prolongation and torsades de pointes