Familial hypokalaemic periodic paralysis is a rare condition in Finland (prevalence 0.4/100,000) that can present with cardiac symptoms such as bradycardia during paralytic attacks.
Rare prevalence in Finland suggests targeted evaluation only; leaves open potassium exercise test utility for asymptomatic family screening.
Seven families with familial hypokalaemic periodic paralysis were found in Finland. Nine of the 103 asymptomatic family members studied had abnormal results on a potassium exercise test. The overall prevalence of familial hypokalaemic periodic paralysis in Finland was 0.4/100,000. Carbohydrate intake and hard exercise were the most important triggers of paralytic attacks. Half of the patients reported having attacks at least once a month. Seven patients reported cardiac symptoms (especially bradycardia) during attacks. Permanent muscular weakness was not prominent.
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Kantola et al. (1992) studied this question.
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