title: Life-threatening hyperkalemia in a patient with normal renal function.
abstract: With media focus on benefits from reducing sodium intake, there is increased popularity of salt substitutes, typically potassium chloride. While viewed by the public as a healthy alternative to standard table salt, less appreciated is the severe risk with certain comorbidities and medications. We report the case of an elderly female with chronically high salt substitute intake, normal renal function, diabetes, hypertension treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and beta blockade, who developed life-threatening hyperkalemia after a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. We describe the pathophysiology of the disruption in potassium homeostasis and emphasize the importance of dietary history and educating high-risk patients to avoid salt substitutes.
authors: Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation , University of Florida , Gainesville, FL , USA.
authors: Taha
authors: T
authors: Ayach
authors: Shands Hospital, University of Florida , Gainesville, FL , USA.
authors: Robert W
authors: RW
authors: Nappo
authors: Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation , University of Florida , Gainesville, FL , USA.
authors: Jennifer L
authors: JL
authors: Paugh-Miller
authors: Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation , University of Florida , Gainesville, FL , USA.
authors: Edward A
authors: EA
authors: Ross
keywords: ACE inhibition; arrhythmia; hyperkalemia; salt; salt substitute