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Weldon J. Walker, MD
Medford, Ore

JAMA. 1983;249(11):1437.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

To the Editor.—

Most hypertensive patients treated vigorously with diuretics manifest variable lowering of serum potassium (K⁺) levels and, often, nonspecific ECG abnormalities. Low serum K⁺ levels increase myocardial irritability and the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. Prevention of hypokalemia causes less risk than detection and later correction. Many cardiologists routinely administer supplemental K⁺ or K⁺-sparing agents concurrent with diuretics in patients with normal renal function. Evidence also suggests that a high K⁺ intake increases the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy. The high mortality in hypertensive men receiving diuretic therapy with resting ECG abnormalities in the MRFIT was most probably related to low serum K⁺ levels. If contrary information is available, it should be promptly reported. It seems unlikely that unfavorable results were caused by "drug toxicity." . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

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