![]() ![]() Your nurse or doctor will explain how dialysis works if they feel this is the right treatment for you. Potassium is easily removed during dialysis. ![]() Sometimes, with more advanced kidney disease, a high potassium level can be a warning that you need to start dialysis. You should always follow your doctor's advice regarding medicines. These make your kidneys produce more urine which can get rid of the potassium in the body. The most commonly used potassium binder is called Calcium Resonium but there are new medicines now on the market called Patiromer and Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate which are becoming more popular. These work by removing the extra potassium from your body in your faeces (poo). ![]() This helps your kidneys to process the potassium, allowing it to get rid of the build-up more effectively. This acts by binding with the acid in your blood stream. Reducing the dose of these can help to lower your potassium level. For example, some medicines that are used to treat high blood pressure can cause or worsen hyperkalaemia. Your doctor may reduce the dose of some of your medicines if they are affecting your potassium levels. Your doctor should refer you to see a dietician who can advise you about a low potassium diet.įor more information on how to eat a low potassium diet see our lifestyle page Changing or altering the dose of your medications You may be advised to make changes to your diet to avoid foods that are high in potassium. Treatment may include: Changing your diet This may mean a short stay in hospital to allow your potassium levels to be closely monitored and to start treatment. Urgent treatment is usually needed if the potassium levels are above 6. You will have regular blood tests to check that this has not changed. If they are only slightly above normal, you may not need any treatment. Treatment will depend on how high the levels of potassium are in your blood. A high potassium level can cause changes to your heart rhythm that can be seen on ECG. Patches are stuck to your skin to record the electrical signals produced by your heart each time it beats. This is a test that can be used to check your heart's rhythm and electrical activity. If your nurse or doctor is worried about your potassium level, they may suggest that you have an electrocardiogram (ECG). ![]() Hyperkalaemia is diagnosed by a blood test that measures the potassium levels in your blood. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. However, if you have CKD and are receiving dialysis, the symptoms can develop very quickly over just a few days. These symptoms may develop slowly over several months. What are the symptoms of hyperkalaemia?Īlthough hyperkalaemia itself doesn't usually have any obvious symptoms, you may notice some of the effects such as: If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), your kidneys are not working as well as they should, so they cannot get rid of the extra potassium you get from food. Your kidneys help to remove excess potassium from the body in the form of urine (wee). Foods that we eat contain different amounts of potassium. Hyperkalaemia is common in people with kidney problems. Too much potassium in your blood can affect the way your heart works, causing it to go into an abnormal rhythm which can be very dangerous. You get potassium from food but this potassium can build up in your body if you have kidney problems. Potassium is a mineral that helps to keep your nerves and muscles working properly. Hyperkalaemia is a condition where you have too much potassium in your blood. If you haven't already signed up to hear the latest news and information from us you can do so on our sign-up page. If you'd like to order a hard copy please see our leaflets and booklets page The following information is also available as a downloadable leaflet: Hyperkalaemia: High potassium levels and kidney disease ![]()
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