Arrhythmias and ECG changes in life threatening hyperkalemia in older patients treated by potassium sparing drugs
2014
Abstract
Severe hyperkalemia is a life threatening condition that can cause fatal rhythm disturbance and terminal heart arrest. The most common cause of hyperkalemia in older patients is that of iatrogenic medication-related etiology due to associated polymorbidity, polypharmacy and reduced reserve metabolic capacity.
The aim of this paper is to increase awareness in the clinicians of the risk of hyperkalemia in elderly patients treated by potassium sparing drugs.