The Importance of Considering Hyperkalemia in Challenging Cases

In this podcast episode, Dr. Melanie Baimel shares a case of a 50-year-old male who presented in cardiac arrest. Despite initial resuscitation efforts, the patient's heart rate remained low and his blood pressure was extremely low. After cardiology suggested stabilizing the patient's membranes with calcium, the patient's heart rate improved and he was taken to the cath lab for stenting. Dr. Baimel emphasizes the importance of considering hyperkalemia when the usual interventions are not effective. Hyperkalemia can mimic other conditions and may interfere with pacemaker function, making it crucial to widen the differential diagnosis and explore all possible causes.