STATE-OF-THE-ART PAPER
What is the optimal serum potassium level in cardiovascular patients?
John E. Macdonald, MBChB, MRCP*,* and
Allan D. Struthers, BSc, MD, FRCP, FESC*
* Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, United Kingdom
* Reprint requests and correspondence: Dr. John E. Macdonald, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, United Kingdom, DD19SY. macdonald_je{at}hotmail.com
Humans are prone to sodium overload and potassium depletion. This electrolyte imbalance is important in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and sudden cardiac death. Avoiding hypokalemia is beneficial in several cardiovascular disease states including acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and hypertension. The evidence highlighting the importance of potassium homeostasis in cardiovascular disease and possible mechanisms explaining potassium's benefits are reviewed. Targets for serum potassium concentration are suggested.
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Abbreviations and Acronyms
| | ACE | = angiotensin-converting enzyme | | AMI | = acute myocardial infarction | | BP | = blood pressure | | ECG | = electrocardiogram/electrocardiographic/ electrocardiography | | HF | = heart failure | | LVH | = left ventricular hypertrophy | | MRFIT | = Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial | | NO | = nitric oxide | | RAAS | = renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system | | SCD | = sudden cardiac death | | VF | = ventricular fibrillation | | VSMC | = vascular smooth muscle cell |
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