The Adequacy of Laboratory Monitoring in Patients Treated With Spironolactone for Congestive Heart Failure

Many patients treated with spironolactone for CHF do not receive needed follow-up of potassium or creatinine concentrations, although hyperkalemia and renal dysfunction are common. Elevated baseline creatinine predicts patients at high risk. Physician education of the risks of spironolactone and the need for follow-up is essential.