Hypokalaemia and outcomes in older patients hospitalized for heart failure

Abstract

Aims Hypokalaemia is a risk factor for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death in ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure (HF). The objective of this study was to examine the association between hypokalaemia and outcomes in hospitalized patients with decompensated HF in whom sudden death is less common. Methods and results Of the 5881 hospitalized patients with HF, 1052 had consistent hypokalaemia (both admission and discharge serum potassium P = 0.241). HRs (95% CI) for 30 day mortality associated with discharge serum potassium P = 0.419) and 1.69 (0.94–3.04; P = 0.078), respectively. Hypokalaemia (<4.0 or <3.5 mmol/L) had no association with long‐term mortality or other outcomes. Conclusions In hospitalized older patients with HF, compared with normokalaemia (serum potassium 4.0–5.0 mmol/L), hypokalaemia (<4.0 or <3.5 mmol/L) had no significant associations with outcomes.