What is Hyperkalemia?

Hyperkalemia (high-per-kuh-LEE-mee-uh), also known as high potassium or HK, is when the blood has higher than normal potassium levels. People living with CKD face a higher risk of HK because their kidneys can't remove excess potassium in their blood.

Potassium is a mineral your body needs to keep your muscles and heart working, and your body gets potassium from what you eat and drink. Even though many times there are no symptoms, too much potassium in the blood can cause irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, or even death. If you have hyperkalemia, it is important to lower your potassium level to normal range.

The only way to know if you have hyperkalemia is for your doctor to order a blood test. Generally, your potassium level is normal if it is between 3.5 and 5.0 mmol/L. Hyperkalemia is when your blood potassium level is above 5.0 mmol/L.* The fact is, high potassium levels can return, spike, or remain high which could lead to serious health issues, if left untreated, so it’s important talk to your doctor to better understand your lab results and options for managing hyperkalemia that are right for you.

Slide the Box to Learn About Potassium Levels

Normal

Blood potassium level between 3.5 and 5.0 mmol/L*

Hypokalemia

Blood potassium level less than 3.5 mmol/L†

Hyperkalemia

Blood potassium level more than 5.0 mmol/L

Normal

†Like high potassium, low potassium can also potentially cause serious health issues.

*In some cases, up to 5.2 mmol/L is considered normal.

If you have hyperkalemia, your doctor may recommend options such as taking medicine called a potassium binder, lowering potassium in your diet, and/or changing medicines that might contribute to hyperkalemia.

It is important to remember your results only show the amount of potassium that was in your blood at the time you had the test. This is because your potassium level depends on:

  • How well your kidneys are working
  • How much of it you are getting in what you eat and drink each day
  • If you are taking certain medicines that can affect your potassium level
  • If you are taking certain medicines that lower potassium as prescribed by your doctor, such as potassium binders

Even if you get a normal blood test result, continue to ask your doctor about potassium and regular monitoring. Check out our doctor discussion guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor visit.

Learn about
a treatment option
for patients
with hyperkalemia

 

Loading......