Potassium is an important element in human blood. Typically, the electrolytes we measure in blood tests include sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium. Both low and high levels of potassium can have adverse effects on the body, especially hyperkalemia, which can cause sudden cardiac arrest and is considered dangerous in clinical settings. Patients with normal kidney function are less likely to develop hyperkalemia, which is more commonly seen in those who may have consumed Chinese herbal medicines containing high amounts of potassium for a long time.

In patients with renal insufficiency, due to impaired kidney excretory function, hyperkalemia occurs more easily. Patients with hyperkalemia should generally avoid ACE inhibitors and ARB medications. For example, drugs like ACE inhibitors and spironolactone can further exacerbate hyperkalemia, so these types of medications are definitely not advisable.

(The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)