Hyperkalemia is a condition where potassium levels are higher than normal in the blood. Since excess potassium can result in adverse effects, such as disruption in kidney function, irregular heartbeat, nausea and a slow pulse, it is important to treat hyperkalemia before these severe symptoms occur.
Step 1
Work with your physician in order to pinpoint the cause(s) of hyperkalemia. These can include kidney disorders, side effects from medications, dietary factors or other medical treatments that involve potassium. Once factors that cause hyperkalemia have been identified, a person may better begin treating the condition.
Step 2
With a doctor's permission, cut back on medications that may increase potassium levels. These include angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (including Advil), heparin (a blood thinner) or sulfonamide antibiotics (which can be especially harmful in patients who have kidney disease).
Step 3
Avoid foods known to be high in potassium. Potassium is most often present in fruits and vegetables, such as chard, spinach, broccoli, winter squash, eggplant, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, apricots, tuna, cauliflower or cabbage.
Step 4
Utilize medications known to protect the heart, yet lower your potassium levels. A physician may initially prescribe calcium, which protects the heart while albuterol, which is an inhaled medication typically used to treat asthma that also has been shown to lower potassium levels. Another medication shown to be effective in reducing potassium levels are loop diuretics, which reduces potassium and fluid levels.
Step 5
Avoid foods containing salt substitutes or "low-salt" advertised packaged foods. These salt substitutes are often high in potassium and can cause adverse effects.
Tips and Warnings
- The appropriate potassium intake for men and women older than age 19 is 4.7 grams, according to the Institute of Medicine at the National Academy of Sciences. The cooking process has been shown to remove a significant amount of potassium from foods. For example, cooked spinach has almost 4 grams less potassium (3.0 grams) versus uncooked spinach (6.9 grams).
- You must consult your doctor before ceasing to take prescribed medications.
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