Potassium in Prevention of Restenosis after PTCA

Objectives To investigate safety and effectivity of potassium inprevention of restenosis after PTCA. Methods Eighty patients with PTCA were randomized into two groups: Control group ( Group Ⅱ n= 40) with conventional therapy; Treatment group (Group Ⅰ n = 40) with conventional therapy plus oral potassium (Slow - K 1.2 g, q8h, given 3 days before PTCA and continued to the end ofsub - study). Observation indeces of two groups were compared in follow - up. Results Seventy - seven patients were followed -up(39 in group Ⅰ, 38 in group Ⅱ) All blood indices (including fat, sugar, uric acid, cretonne, Na+, Cl-, Ca2+, Mg2+ ) except blood potassium in both groups were similar. Oral potassium could increase blood potassium level about 0. 3 mmol/L in group Ⅰ without causing any side effects. Suspicious angina pectoris and evidence of myocardial ischemia by ETT were developed in group Ⅱ had 14 patients (28. 9 % ) and Group I had 7 patients (17. 9 % ); 6 of 17 patients(35. 3 % ) in groupⅠ and 11 of 21 patients