Potassium is a necessary mineral in the regulation of bodily processes. It is essential for converting blood glucose into energy, activation of enzymes, and maintains protein synthesis so that the body has energy to carry out daily activities. Potassium is absorbed in the gut and and passes through the kidneys and out via urine. Heart disease can contribute to potassium depletion, and in some cases the doctor will prescribe a medication to return this important mineral. There are limitations for potassium supplementation with heart patients, and only a doctor can determine the amount needed.
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors, decrease angiotensin by allowing the blood vessels to relax and open, thereby decreasing blood pressure. Drugs listed in this category include lotensin, capoten, vasotec, monopril, prinivil/zestril, univasc, aceon, accupril, altace and mavik. The American Heart Association states that these medications can lead to excess potassium in the body. The attending cardiologist will order serum potassium tests to be conducted to determine if supplementation is right for you.
Angiotensin-2 Receptor Antagonists
Angiotensin-2 receptor antagonists, or AT-2, are similar in effects to the ACE inhibitors in terms of lowering angiotensin, but produce less side effects such as persistent cough. According to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, these drugs are generally better tolerated by diabetics and provide extra protection to the kidneys. However, one notable side effect of this medication is the likelihood that potassium levels will increase, and supplementation of potassium is uncommon.
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Potassium-sparing diuretics differ from traditional loop and thiazide diuretics due to the ability to retain potassium excreted during urination. In doing so, potassium is retained in the kidneys and additional supplementation could lead to hyperkalemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. The Health Library lists aldactone, dyrenium, midamor and triamterene as potassium-sparing. Typically, the attending cardiologist will caution against supplementation of potassium and warn against eating a diet high in potassium if the patient is taking a drug of this nature.
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulant drugs such as heparin and warfarin are blood-thinning medications designed to prevent blood clotting. Heparin in particular is known for its ability to drastically increase potassium levels in the body. Heart patients who take these medications with blood pressure drugs need to be closely supervised because the risk of uncontrollable bleeding is very high. High blood pressure could cause a small cut or scratch to become fatal. Drugs.com suggests that any attending doctors or pharmacists know your complete medical history that would include hypertension, other heart problems, recent surgical procedures, cancers and blood disorders before prescribing or dispensing any combination of these drugs.
