Things We Do for No Reason™: Routine potassium replacement to achieve goal serum potassium ≥4.0 mmol/L in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Rizk, Patrick; Umpierrez, Adrian; Feldman, Leonard · J Hosp Med · 2026

Where this comes from

Abstract

Internists routinely replete potassium to a high-goal serum level of ≥4 mmol/L in patients with acute myocardial infarction to reduce the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and mortality. Recent literature demonstrates that a potassium goal of >3.5 mmol/L likely coincides with the lowest risk of mortality. Based on these data, internists should individualize potassium goals rather than routinely aiming for a high-goal serum level of ≥4 mmol/L.

Medical subject headings