POTASSIUM
What is Potassium and Why is it Important?
Potassium is a mineral that helps muscles and nerves to work properly. One major muscle it affects is the heart. When potassium levels are too high or too low, it can affect the way the heart beats. Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) may not be able to remove extra potassium from the blood.
Helpful Tips for Controlling Potassium
- Attend treatments as scheduled
- Keep your access appointments
- Limit intake of high potassium foods
- Use herbs and spices when cooking and at the table. Avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium chloride
- Drain canned fruits and vegetables before eating
The goal for blood potassium is 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L.
Symptoms of Unsafe Potassium Levels
Most patients do not feel differently when their potassium levels change. Your care team will monitor your blood pottassium levels. Symptoms of changes in potassium, both too high and too low, are the same.
- Weakness
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Irregular heart beat
What Can Cause High Potassium?
Medical Reasons
- GI bleeding
- Medications
- High blood sugar
- Constipation
Lifestyle
- Diet
- Chewing tobacco
- Herbal supplements
Inadequate Dialysis
- Shortened treatments
- Missed treatments
- Access Problems
- Incorrect Dialysis Prescription
Double Trouble: Foods High in Phosphorus and Potassium
Some foods are high in both potassium and phosphorus. These “double trouble” foods should be avoided or used in very small amounts.
High potassium can lead to:
- Muscle Weakness
- Slow Heartbeat
- Cardiac Arrest
High phosphorus can lead to:
- Bone Disease
- Heart Disease
- Itchy Skin
- Red Eyes
- Bone and Joint Pain
- Build-up of Mineral Deposits in Your Heart, Blood Vessels, Lungs, Eyes, Joints, and Skin
DID YOU KNOW? One large sweet or white baked potato with the skin = 800-1,000mg of potassium?
Use this chart as a reference when learning the potassium levels in foods. Consult with you dietitian or care team for further information that is specific to your needs. Always be sure to consult with your medical care team before making big changes in your diet.