Which electrolyte imbalance can affect heart rhythm and is often checked during an EKG?

Potassium is crucial for maintaining normal heart rhythm, as it plays an essential role in the electrical conduction system of the heart. An imbalance in potassium levels can lead to significant dysrhythmias. High levels of potassium (hyperkalemia) can result in changes like peaked T-waves and prolonged QT intervals on the EKG, while low levels (hypokalemia) can cause flattened T-waves and the presence of U-waves. Due to these impacts on cardiac electrical activity, potassium levels are frequently monitored in patients, especially those at risk for heart complications, making it a critical electrolyte in the assessment of heart rhythm through EKG analysis. The other electrolytes also play roles in cardiac function, but potassium is particularly noted for its direct correlation with the heart's electrical stability and rhythm.