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['Licorice hypertension' also caused by licorice tea]
A J Brouwers1, J van der Meulen
1Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis, locatie Dordwijk, afd. Interne Geneeskunde, Postbus 306, 3300 AH Dordrecht.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|May 3, 2001
Summary
Essential hypertension and hypokalemia can be caused by excessive consumption of licorice tea. Patients denying licorice candy intake should be questioned about licorice tea, a popular beverage.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Essential hypertension is a common condition often managed with multiple antihypertensive medications.
- Drug-induced hypokalemia can complicate treatment, leading to symptoms like muscle cramps and weakness.
Observation:
- A patient with apparent essential hypertension developed persistent hypokalemia and polyuria despite standard treatment.
- The patient consumed at least 3 liters of licorice tea daily, a fact initially overlooked.
Findings:
- Excessive licorice consumption, even via tea, can lead to severe hypokalemia and hypertension.
- Discontinuation of licorice tea and potassium supplementation resolved the patient's symptoms and normalized blood pressure.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should inquire about licorice tea consumption in patients with unexplained hypertension and hypokalemia.
- Increased popularity of licorice tea necessitates awareness of its potential adverse effects, including endocrine and electrolyte disturbances.
- This case highlights the importance of a thorough dietary history in diagnosing medication-resistant hypertension and hypokalemia.