Why the study?
Does potassium infusion alleviate vagal-induced atrioventricular block?
Does potassium infusion alleviate vagal-induced atrioventricular block?
Moderate elevations in plasma potassium (4.8-6.9 mEq/L) can alleviate vagal-induced AV block, while higher levels may exacerbate or independently cause AV block.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May support experimental modulation of vagal AV block by moderate hyperkalemia; leaves open clinical translation and safety.
The relationship between the effects of potassium and vagal stimulation on transmission through the atrioventricular transmission system was investigated. It was observed that infusion of isotonic potassium chloride alleviated atrioventricular block induced by vagal activity. This occurred at plasma potassium levels ranging from 4.8 to 6.9 mEq/liter. This antagonism does not appear to be mediated by catecholamine release since infusion of epinephrine (0.23 µg/min) did not relieve the block. At plasma levels higher than those capable of inhibiting vagal action, potassium enhances parasympathomimetic actions on A-V transmission and, at still higher levels, potassium is capable of inducing A-V block which is independent of the vagus.
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Greenspan et al. (1965) studied this question.
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