Abstract

Hyperkalemia is characterized by a serum potassium concentration greater than 5.0 mEq/L and may be associated with complications such as cardiac dysrhythmias. It's most often experienced by patients with kidney disease or heart failure, particularly those taking medications that inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Examples include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors such as lisinopril, angiotensin receptor blockers such as valsartan, the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren, and aldosterone antagonists such as spironolactone and eplerenone.