# Hyperkalemia in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction Patients Treated with Sacubitril/Valsartan: Experience from a Tertiary Cardiac Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

## TL;DR

This study examines hyperkalemia in heart failure patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan and finds it occurs in about 44% of patients within three months, but is generally manageable.

## Contribution

The study provides real-world data on hyperkalemia incidence and management in HFrEF patients using sacubitril/valsartan in a Saudi Arabian setting.

## Key findings

- Hyperkalemia >5.0 mmol/L occurred in 44.4% of patients within three months of treatment initiation.
- Only 1.3% of patients discontinued treatment due to clinically significant hyperkalemia.
- Discontinuation rates were low overall, consistent with prior trials.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains a major global health burden. Sacubitril/valsartan, an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), improves outcomes in HFrEF but may cause hyperkalemia. Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Cardiac Center, Riyadh, including 238 HFrEF patients initiated on sacubitril/valsartan (2016–2021). Potassium levels were assessed pre-initiation and at 0–3, 3–6, and 6–12 months post-initiation. Hyperkalemia was analyzed at thresholds >5.0, >5.5, and >6.0 mmol/L. Results: Median age was 58 years (IQR 48–69); 75.2% were male. Hyperkalemia >5.0 mmol/L occurred in 44.4% (95% CI: 38.1–51.0) within three months post-initiation versus 8.2% (95% CI: 5.3–12.4) pre-initiation. Only 17.3% exceeded 5.5 mmol/L. Treatment discontinuation occurred in 7.1% of patients, with 1.3% stopping due to clinically significant hyperkalemia. McNemar’s test confirmed a significant increase in prevalence across time points (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Despite increased hyperkalemia incidence, discontinuation rates were low, consistent with prior trials (PARADIGM-HF, PARAGON-HF). Sacubitril/valsartan remains an effective and generally safe therapy for HFrEF, with hyperkalemia manageable through monitoring. Limitations include missing potassium data, potential confounding factors, and the lack of a control group; future prospective studies with regular electrolyte monitoring are recommended.