“…The necessity for potassium supplementation in patients on diuretic therapy has been questioned by some investigators (Davidson et al 1976, Kassirer & Harrington 1977 Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics 1981). However, the diets of elderly patients are often lacking in foods high in potassium (Judge 1972, Davies et al 1973, British Medical Journal 1978, Lancet 1974) and the importance -of preventing hypokalaemia -particularly in patients taking digitalis, who often already have reduced body potassium because of their heart failure (Flear 1969, Nagant de Deux Chaisnes & Mach 1974, Cohen 1979)-is well recognized (Dyckner et al 1975, Spector 1972, Lant 1977, British Medical Journal 1977, McCarthy 1983.…”