Abstract
Lymphocyte potassium and magnesium were measured before and 3 months after the introduction of captopril in 18 patients taking diuretics for congestive heart failure. Compared to 32 healthy controls, 9 patients who had been on potassium supplements plus frusemide had decreased baseline lymphocyte magnesium and potassium concentrations (p less than 0.01), in spite of similar plasma electrolyte levels. There was a significant (p less than 0.01) increase in both lymphocyte potassium and magnesium levels after 3 months treatment with captopril and frusemide in these patients. Nine patients who had been taking a potassium-sparing combination diuretic also had an increase in lymphocyte magnesium (p less than 0.05) following the introduction of captopril. Increased intracellular potassium and magnesium may be one mechanism whereby angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduced arrhythmias and improve survival in patients with congestive heart failure.
| Original language | English (Ireland) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 100-105 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Cardiology |
| Volume | 80 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 1992 |
Keywords
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
- Captopril
- Congestive heart failure
- Diuretics
- Lymphocyte magnesium
- Lymphocyte potassium
Authors (Note for portal: view the doc link for the full list of authors)
- Authors
- O'Keeffe S, Grimes H, Finn J, McMurrough P, Daly K