Hyperkalemia with cardiac arrhythmia. Induction by salt substitutes, spironolactone, and azotemia.

In two patients, severe hyperkalemia and serious cardiac arrhythmia developed after excessive use of potassium-containing salt substitutes. Both had impaired ability to handle and excrete additional potassium load due to chronic congestive heart failure, azotemia, and administration of spironolactone. Prompt recognition of the arrhythmia and immediate restoration of the cardiac rate and rhythm by pacemaker support followed by intensive regimen to lower the serum potassium prevented a potentially fatal outcome. These cases emphasize the potential danger of salt substitutes when used by patients who are predisposed to retain potassium.