HYPERPOTASSEMIA AND ITS ELECTROCARDIOGRAP HIC CONSEQUENCES IN PROFESSIONAL CYCLE RACERS AT THE END OF RACE

The plasma potassium levels were measured in 15 cyclists during the << Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Valenciano>> (700 km, 6 days), both at the sta rt and at the end of the last stage. Plasma potassium levels increased from 4.3 +/- 1.9 mmol/l (resting) to 7.3 +/- 3.2 mmol/l at the end of the stage. The increase in plasma potassium levels was related to cha nges in other plasma electrolyte levels and it led to electrocardiogra phic T wave and QRS abnormalities.