16th May 2025

A 68-year-old lady presented to hospital with worsening breathlessness, pedal oedema, and a reduced exercise tolerance.

A 68-year-old lady presented to hospital with worsening breathlessness, pedal oedema, and a reduced exercise tolerance. She has a past medical history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and asthma. Her drug history is as follows; amlodipine 5mg OD, ramipril 2.5mg OD, metformin 1000mg BD, bisoprolol 1.25mg OD, Fostair 100/6 2 puffs BD, salbutamol 100micrograms QDS PRN, theophylline 200mg BD. A chest radiograph was performed which was consistent with pulmonary oedema. She was started on IV furosemide acutely for management of her breathlessness. Following this she started to complain of weakness, palpitations, and muscle cramps. What electrolyte abnormality has been precipitated by this patient’s therapy?

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