Management of hyperkalemia in a patient with hfref

Abstract Hyperkalimia (HK) is a condition that occurs very frequently in patients with heart failure (HF). HK often limits and discourages the implementation and optimization of RAASI therapy in patients with HFrEF. The introduction of the new K–binders drugs has made it possible to overcome this obstacle by allowing optimization of therapy even in patients with persistent hyperkalemia. Mr. AB aged 83 years cognitively intact and autonomous ( Katz‘s BADL and Lawton‘s IADL preserved; MMSE 29/30). February 2022 accessed DEA for aggravating exertional dyspnea; at that time echocardiogram finding reduced left ventricular systolic function, FE 35%. March 2022 performed elective coronarography: coronary tree free of critical lesions, confirmed on echocardiogram reduced FE. Post indication to undertake Sacubitril/Valsartan, beta blocker and SGLT2i therapy. For moderate CKD (eGFR 33 ml/min) with tendency to hyperkalemia not initiated MRA. April 2022 the patient was taken to our Heart Failure Outpatient Clinic–UTIG– AOU Careggi. June 2022 considered improvement in renal function and Kaliemia in optimized range GDMTs therapy with Potassium Canreonate 25 mg/day. At control EEs in July 2022 found hyperKalemia with K values 5.5 mEq/L but stability of renal function. Reduced therefore the dosage of Potassium Canreonate (25 mg every other day) with indication to repeat blood tests soon. September 2022 despite reduction in MRA dosage further increase in Kaliemia values to 5.8 mEq/L. Suspended Potassium Canreonate and started Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate therapy initially at loading dosage of 10 g three times daily for two days then continued with maintenance dosage of 5 g. At follow–up performed the following week K 4.5 mEq/L. Re–introduced Potassium Canreonate 25 mg/day with initial tight control of potassium values that remained stably at optimal values. Hyperkalemia is an obstacle in titrating HFrEF, especially in elderly patients with CKD. However, we have new drugs available that may allow the implementation of guideline–recommended treatments by controlling potassium values.