Incidence of hyperkalemia in high risk patients during treatment with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (Lisinopril) versus an angiotensin II receptor blocker (Losartan).

Abstract

Hyperkalemia is a known side effect during treatment with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs). The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of an ACEI (Lisinopril) to an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (Losartan) on serum potassium (K) level in patients with known history of high normal serum K (mean = 4.8) while on treatment with ACEIs or Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs).