Hypocalcemia Precipitating Congestive Heart Failure

Authors:
  • TCThomas B. Connor
    Thomas B. Connor
  • BRBarry L. Rosen
    Barry L. Rosen
  • MBMordecai P. Blaustein
    Mordecai P. Blaustein
  • MAMark M. Applefeld
    Mark M. Applefeld
  • LDL. Austin Doyle
    L. Austin Doyle
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Abstract
CALCIUM ions have a key role in the excitation as well as the contraction of cardiac muscle fibers.1 2 3 Calcium also influences the renal excretion of sodium.4 , 5 The importance of sodium retention in the pathogenesis of congestive heart failure has been well described.6 It is therefore surprising that clinical evidence of cardiac failure is observed so infrequently in calcium-deficiency states. There are a few reports of hypocalcemic patients, usually children, who acquired cardiomegaly and cardiac failure that appeared to be refractory to therapy until the serum calcium concentration was raised.7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 However, the relation between the level of serum calcium and recovery . . .

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