Potassium
Table of Contents
About Potassium
Your kidneys help keep the right amount of potassium in the body. Hyperkalemia is the term for when the potassium levels in the blood are too high. Hypokalemia is the term for when the levels are too low. Both situations can cause health problems. In kidney disease, the body has trouble removing extra potassium from the blood. This can cause potassium levels to rise and lead to serious health problems. People with kidney disease are also at risk for low potassium, especially during earlier stages of kidney disease.
Hyperkalemia is the term for when the potassium levels in the blood are too high. Hypokalemia is the term for when the levels are too low.
Causes of Imbalance
Causes of HIGH Potassium (Hyperkalemia) |
Causes of LOW Potassium (Hypokalemia) |
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Signs and Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms of HIGH Potassium (Hyperkalemia) |
Signs and Symptoms of LOW Potassium (Hypokalemia) |
Hyperkalemia does not usually cause symptoms. |
Hypokalemia does not usually cause symptoms, especially if it is a small decrease in the potassium level. |
If symptoms do appear, they may develop slowly over many weeks or months and are usually mild and non-specific, including:
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If symptoms do appear, they may develop slowly over many weeks or months and are usually mild and non-specific, including:
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Symptoms are more common if the hyperkalemia comes on suddenly and causes very high levels of potassium. In this case, you may experience:
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Symptoms are more common If the hypokalemia comes on suddenly and causes very low levels of potassium. In this case, you may experience:
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Sudden or severe hyperkalemia and hypokalemia are both life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical care. If you have symptoms of either, call 911 or go to the emergency room. |
Sudden or severe hyperkalemia and hypokalemia are both life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical care. If you have symptoms of either, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Tests
A simple blood test is used to measure the level of potassium in your blood. If you are at risk of high or low potassium, be sure you ask your healthcare provider about checking your potassium level.
Results
- Higher than 6.0: You are in the DANGER zone for very high potassium (severe hyperkalemia)
- 5.1 to 6.0: You are in the CAUTION zone for high potassium (hyperkalemia)
- 3.5 to 5.0: You are in the SAFE zone
- 2.5 to 3.4: You are in the CAUTION zone for low potassium (hypokalemia)
- Less than 2.5: You are in the DANGER zone for very low potassium (severe hypokalemia)
Treatment
To develop a treatment plan, your healthcare provider will likely ask about your medical history, your diet, and the medicines you take (including over-the-counter products, herbal remedies, and supplements). Your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of the following strategies.
High Potassium (Hyperkalemia)
Low Potassium (Hypokalemia)
Follow your treatment plan carefully, especially if you have diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, or other chronic conditions. Following your treatment plan can help you keep your potassium levels in the goal range. If you are on dialysis, be sure to get all the treatments or exchanges prescribed to you.
Questions to Ask
- What was my most recent potassium level?
- What is my goal potassium level?
- Do any of my medications, supplements, or herbal remedies increase my risk for high or low potassium levels?
- Which of my favorite foods are high in potassium? Which ones are low in potassium?
Resources
NKF Council on Renal Nutrition CKD Kidney Dietitian Directory
https://www.kidney.org/ckdrd
NKF Your Guide to Potassium
Download the Potassium guide
This content is provided for informational use only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for the medical advice of a healthcare professional.