RT Journal
A1 Perren A, Previsdomini M, Bendjelid K
T1 POtassium levels after acute myocardial infarction
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2012
FD April 18
VO 307
IS 15
SP 1578
OP 1580
DO 10.1001/jama.2012.485
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2012.485
AB 
To the Editor: Dr Goyal and colleagues1 concluded that potassium levels greater than 4.5 mEq/L should probably be avoided because of an association with increased mortality. As a consequence, they challenge current clinical practice guidelines that endorse maintaining serum potassium levels between 4.0 and 5.0 mEq/L. There may be an association between potassium levels and mortality, but any conclusion that modifying the potassium level toward the range of 3.5 to 4.5 mEq/L will decrease mortality is still unproven. A pathological potassium level may simply reflect illness severity. Some issues remain to be addressed.