QRS complex width is dependent on the slope of phase 0 upstroke - aka Sodium channels.
Increased extracellular potassium causes membrane depolarisation. This opens some voltage gated sodium channels but also inactivates some at the same time. The reduced number of sodium channels available result in a delayed upstroke, and therefore a wide QRS complex.
QRS complex width is dependent on the slope of phase 0 upstroke - aka Sodium channels.
Increased extracellular potassium causes membrane depolarisation. This opens some voltage gated sodium channels but also inactivates some at the same time. The reduced number of sodium channels available result in a delayed upstroke, and therefore a wide QRS complex.
And why would hypocalcemia prolong QT?
I just gave up on understanding the mechanisms of EKG changes (and excitability in general) observed in K and Ca changes.
