Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
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Comparative Study
Hypokalemia and potassium excretion in stroke patients.
To determine (1) the prevalence of hypokalemia (plasma potassium < or = 3.4 mmol/L) in a group of stroke patients in comparison with age- and sex-matched groups of patients having sustained a myocardial infarction or having mild hypertension and (2) the association between plasma potassium concentration and stroke outcome. ⋯ Hypokalemia post stroke is common and may be associated with a poor outcome.