Heart Drugs Can Cause Potassium Overload - Study

[Guest guest]

There appears to be a " problem " with these drugs, but

thankfully they have warned us about those dangerous

herbs and fruits. F.

 

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews & storyID=5943008

 

Heart Drugs Can Cause Potassium Overload - Study

Wed Aug 11, 2004 04:15 PM ET

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Drugs used to treat high blood

pressure and other conditions can cause a dangerous

build-up of potassium and patients taking them need to

be watched closely, U.S. researchers cautioned on

Wednesday.

 

The drugs, angiotensin-converting-enzyme or ACE

inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers, can

raise potassium levels in about 10 percent of

patients, especially those with weak kidneys, said Dr.

Biff Palmer of the University of Texas Southwestern

Medical Center at Dallas.

 

" Because a third to half of patients with congestive

heart failure have kidney complications, a large

proportion of patients being treated with ACE

inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers are at

increased risk for hyperkalemia (high potassium), "

Palmer said in a statement.

 

Potassium is normally excreted by the kidneys, with

levels in the blood affecting the way cell membranes

work, and governs the action of the heart and pathways

between the brain and muscles.

 

High potassium levels can disrupt the heart's normal

rhythm, Palmer wrote in a commentary for this week's

New England Journal of Medicine.

 

Doctors need to take note, Palmer advised.

 

" The patient's medication profile should be reviewed

and drugs discontinued that impair excretion of

potassium in the kidney, such as over-the-counter

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen

and naproxen, " he said.

 

" Patients should be asked about the use of herbal

remedies, as herbs can be a hidden source of

potassium. "

 

Patients at risk should avoid foods high in potassium

such as orange juice, melons, bananas and salt substitutes.