Which two electrolyte imbalances are most commonly associated with dysrhythmias?

Hyperkalemia and hypokalemia are indeed two electrolyte imbalances that have a significant impact on cardiac rhythm and are commonly associated with dysrhythmias.

Hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood, can lead to a range of dysrhythmias due to the effect of high potassium levels on cardiac myocyte depolarization and repolarization. Elevated potassium levels slow conduction and can cause changes such as peaked T-waves, widened QRS complexes, and even ventricular fibrillation or asystole in severe cases.

On the other hand, hypokalemia, characterized by low potassium levels, also disrupts normal cardiac electrical activity. It can lead to increased cardiac excitability, which may manifest as U-waves, ST-segment depression, and potentially even life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias like torsades de pointes.

Together, these two electrolyte imbalances create a significant concern for dysrhythmias, as they both influence the heart's electrical signaling pathways. Monitoring and correcting potassium levels is crucial in managing patients at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias.