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Low potassium is a known risk factor for ventricular arrhythmias. Now, researchers have studied whether raising potassium to a high-normal level reduces that risk. They randomized 1200 patients in Denmark who had an implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) and a baseline plasma potassium level ≤4.3 mmol/L either to a treatment regimen aimed at increasing their potassium levels to 4.5–5.0 mmol/L or to standard care. Participants in the potassium-raising group received potassium supplements, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, or both — plus written information on a potassium-rich diet. Follow-up initially was weekly, to adjust treatment based on blood test results and blood pressure checks, and then every 6 months.
During a median fo…