1 Sept 2025 • In a study of 1,200 cardiovascular patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and baseline potassium ≤4.3 mmol/L, actively raising plasma potassium to the high-normal range (4.5–5.0 mmol/L) over 39.6 months significantly reduced adverse outcomes.

The high-normal group had a 24% lower risk of the composite endpoint of ventricular arrhythmias, arrhythmia/heart failure hospitalizations, or all-cause mortality compared to standard care (22.7% vs. 29.2%; HR 0.76), largely driven by fewer sustained ventricular tachycardia and appropriate ICD therapies.

Hospitalization rates for hyperkalemia or hypokalemia were similar, confirming the safety and tolerability of potassium optimization as a strategy to lower arrhythmic risk.

Source: The New England Journal of Medicine | Read Full Story