Epidemiology of potassium derangements among chronic cardiovascular, metabolic and renal conditions: a population-based analysis data from more than 375,000 individuals
Authors: Jimenez S , Cainzos-Achirica M , Monterde D , Garcia-Eroles L , Enjuanes C , Garay A , Yun S , Moliner P , Alcoberro L , Calero E , Hidalgo E , Marin R , Corbella X , Comin-Colet J 
Published: November 2020

Introduction

In patients with chronic cardiovascular, metabolic and renal disorders, potassium (K)+ homeostasis is often delicate, especially in the presence of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition (RAASI) and/or diuretic therapies. In this context, current clinical practical guidelines for the management of these patients recommend close monitoring of renal function and K+ levels, particularly in the presence of drug titration. Nevertheless, very limited epidemiological data on their importance at a population level is available.

Purpose

The objectives of the present analysis are to estimate the prevalence of potassium (K+) derangements in five key chronic cardiovascular, metabolic and renal conditions at the population level, its use of RAASI medication and describe potassium derangements among RAASI users.

Methods

We used data from more than 375,000 individuals 55 years of age or older included in the population-based healthcare database of a public Institute of Health between 2015 and 2017. The conditions of interest were chronic heart failure (CHF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes mellitus (DM), ischemic heart disease (IHD), and hypertension (HTN). RAASI medications included angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and rennin inhibitors. Hyperkalemia was defined as K+ levels &gt;5.0 mEq/L and hypokalemia as K+ &lt;3.5 mEq /L

Results

The prevalence of chronic cardiovascular, metabolic and renal conditions was high, particularly of HTN (48.2–48.9%). The prevalence of hyperkalemia was ranging between 10% and 25% depending of the condition, more frequent in CKD and less frequent in HTN patients. In figure, we display the prevalence of hyperkalemia among individuals with each of the relevant chronic conditions, January 1st, 2016 and January 1st, 2017. Use of at least one RAASI medication was very prevalent in HTN patients (75.2–77.3%). Among RAASI users, the frequency of K+ derangements and mainly of hyperkalemia was very noticeable (12% overall), especially in patients with CKD, CHF, elderly individuals, and users of MRAs. Hypokalemia was less frequent (1%).

Conclusion

The high prevalence of K+ derangements and predominantly hyperkalemia among RAASI users highlights the real-world relevance of K+ derangements and the importance of close monitoring and management of K+ levels in routine clinical practice. This is likely to benefit a large number of patients, particularly those at higher risk.

Figure 1. Prevalence of hyperkalemia

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Josep Comin-Colet and Miguel Cainzos-Achirica have participated in other research projects funded by unrestricted grants from Vifor Pharma