A comparative study assessing the incidence and degree of hyperkalemia in patients on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors versus angiotensin-receptor blockers

Abstract

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB) are the most commonly prescribed anti-hypertensive medications in the United States, yet whether ACEI or ARB use is associated with a greater risk of hyperkalemia remains uncertain. Using real-world evidence from electronic health records, our study demonstrates that treatment with ACEI is associated with both a higher incidence and greater degree of hyperkalemia than treatment with ARB in adjusted models, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease. Providers should therefore consider this possible difference in hyperkalemia risk when choosing between ACEI and ARB therapy.