Hyperkalemia

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Circulatory system

Treatment of chronic renal failure may include dietary potassium restriction. "Loop diuretics" may be prescribed to reduce potassium and fluid levels in persons with chronic renal failure.

Need for potassium supplements and other medications that may cause hyperkalemia should be reviewed by the health care provider. These medications may be stopped, reduced in dose, or substituted by another medication.

Salt substitute, often used by people on a low salt diet, should not be used by those with renal failure or a history of hyperkalemia.

The probable outcome is variable. The disorder may cause deadly complications, or it may be well tolerated by the body.

• Changes in neuromuscular control
• Arrhythmias
• Cardiac arrest

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms indicating hyperkalemia are present. Emergency symptoms include loss of consciousness, changes in breathing pattern, nausea, weakness and absent or weak heartbeat.

Review Date: 12/09/2005
Reviewed By: Colm C. Magee, MD, MPH, Medical Director, Renal Transplant, Brigham & Women's Hospital, and Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.