Background: Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality across the world. World Health Organization (WHO) has declared cardiovascular disease as a modern epidemic. Acute Myocardial Infarction is one of the manifestations of coronary heart disease leading to morbidity and mortality. Arrhythmias and hemodynamic abnormalities in left ventricular dysfunction are the major causes of mortality along with acute myocardial infarction. In majority of the patients with acute myocardial infarction. one of the commonest cause of death is life threatening arrhythmias. Many inorganic salts especially of alkaline elements including sodium and potassium. Material and Methods: Prospective study carried out in Medicine department, SIMS, Shimoga for 6 months from Jan 2017 to June 2017. 50 patients of acute myocardial infaction admitted to intensive coronary care unit, of Shivamogga institute of medical sciences, Shivamogga, irrespective of site of infarction and irrespective of type of arrhythmia were included in the study. Detailed history of each patients was obtained. Thorough physical and systemic examination will was done in all the patients. Routine blood and urine examination was sent. First electrocardiogram was taken at the time of admission. Serial electrocardiograms were taken till patient remained till the time of discharge or death. Serum sodium and potassium was estimated in the manner likes i. At the time of admission to ICCU. ii. At the time of development of arrhythmia or after 24 hours of admission if arrhythmias were not present. Result: 15 patients (30%) of all MI patients found to be hyponatraemic. 10 patients (20%) found to be hypokalaemic. Patients with hyponatremia were not found to have any rhythm disturbance, 3 patients with hypokalemia had frequent ventricular ectopics, 1 patient had atrial fibrillation and 2 patients had ventricular tachycardia. Conclusion: there was no increase in rhythm disturbances in hyponatremic patients, however there was definite correlation with arrhythmias in patient with hypokalemia.

Keywords: Myocardial Infarction; Hyponatremia; Hypokalemia; Arrhythmia.