RISK OF HYPERKALEMIA ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF BLOCKERS OF THE RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN-ALDOSTERONE SYSTEM IN THE TREATMENT OF HEART FAILURE: A REVIEW

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospitalizations for cardiovascular diseases in Brazil. Hyperkalemia is an important adverse effect of therapy for HF. Several factors affect the incidence of hyperkalemia in patients treated for HF, as well as the presence of comorbidities and the use of  associated  medications. The aim of this study is to gather new evidence regarding the risk of hyperkalemia in patients treated for HF. The well-established therapy for HF involves drugs that may lead to hyperkalemia as inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme blockers, angiotensin II receptor blockers, aldosterone receptor blockers and direct renin inhibitors. The high incidence of HF in elderly patients with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus and renal insufficiency increases the risk of hyperkalemia. Anti-inflammatory drugs, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and heparin may aggravate the situation. Conclusion: Given the risk of hyperkalemia in patients undergoing treatment for HF, cautious monitoring of renal function and serum potassium should be performed.