The development of hyperkalemia is common in patients who have cardiac and kidney disease and take drugs that antagonize the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Management of hyperkalemia may be improved by identifying the levels of potassium that potentially could induce harm and using strategies to avoid dangerous or life-threatening levels.
Abstract
The development of hyperkalemia is common in patients with cardiac and kidney disease who are administered drugs that antagonize the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). As the results of large-scale clinical trials in hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and congestive heart failure demonstrate benefits of RAAS blockade alone or, in some cases, in combination therapies, the incidence of hyperkalemia has increased in clinical practice. Although there is potential for adverse events in the presence of hyperkalemia, there also are potential benefits of RAAS blockers that support their use in high-risk patient populations. Management of hyperkalemia may be improved by identifying the levels of potassium that may potentially induce harm and using appropriate strategies to avert the levels that may be dangerous or life threatening.
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-- Apurv Khanna, MD, William B. White, MD
This article was originally published in the March 2009 issue of The American Journal of Medicine.
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