European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Hypokalemia, a common electrolyte disorder, poses substantial risks to various organ systems, necessitating effective identification of its underlying causes. The association between hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, prevalent in clinical studies, underscores the need for comprehensive exploration in diverse populations, including limited Indian data. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, involving 154 participants aged 18 and above with hypokalemia (serum potassium <3.5 meq). Serum magnesium levels were analyzed (defining hypomagnesemia as <1.7 mg/dl) from August 2021 to November 2022. Statistical analysis employed R software, encompassing t-test, chi-square, and Pearson correlation. Results: Among 154 subjects (78 females, 76 males, mean age 45 +/- 09 years), the mean magnesium and potassium levels were 1.5825 and 2.8265, respectively. Hypomagnesemia occurred in 61.7% of hypokalemic patients. The mean magnesium levels for hypomagnesemia and normal magnesium groups were 3.1158 and 2.77, respectively. No significant correlation (p = 0.102) was observed between hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. Discussion: Our findings indicated a higher frequency of hypomagnesemia in hypokalemic patients. Variations in reported associations between magnesium and potassium levels among studies highlight population heterogeneity. The discussion emphasizes the role of magnesium deficiency in exacerbating hypokalemia and underscores the importance of timely recognition and treatment. Conclusions: Hypomagnesemia is prevalent in hospitalized patients with hypokalemia, emphasizing the necessity for increased clinical awareness. Larger-scale investigations are recommended to explore the interconnected occurrence of these disturbances and evaluate the clinical utility of routine magnesium measurement in hypokalemic patients. Further research with expanded cohorts is encouraged for a comprehensive understanding of electrolyte imbalances.