Kidney patients on dialysis are at higher risk for a number of health conditions, including hyperkalemia, or high blood potassium levels, since kidney damage makes the kidney less effective at removing excess potassium from the blood. One treatment for hyperkalemia involves the use of calcium chloride to help stabilize heart function.
Hyperkalemia
Signs of hyperkalemia include nausea, an irregular heartbeat and a slow pulse, although some people experience no symptoms when they have this condition. If not treated, hyperkalemia can lead to heart attack, changes in nerve and muscle function, loss of consciousness, weakness, nausea and difficulty breathing. An EKG and a blood test for potassium may be used to diagnose hyperkalemia.
Calcium Chloride for Hyperkalemia
Calcium is often used as the first step in treating hyperkalemia. Calcium chloride can be used, but calcium gluconate is preferred since it is less likely to lead to calcium toxicity, which can lead to digitalis toxicity in patients who take digitalis, notes an article published in 2006 in the "Texas Heart Institute Journal."
Preventing Hyperkalemia
Regular dialysis helps remove excess potassium from your blood, but a low-potassium diet is often necessary as well for dialysis patients. Foods that are high in potassium include salt substitutes, meat, poultry, fish, dried beans, dairy products, tomatoes, oranges, bananas, potatoes and melons. Avoid prolonged fasting and medications that increase potassium levels in the body.
Considerations
Calcium chloride should only be given by a doctor. Calcium, potassium and phosphorus levels all need to be kept within a certain range when you are on dialysis to limit your risk for complications. Your doctor may prescribe a special form of vitamin D and phosphate binders to help you keep your calcium levels at the proper place without your phosphorus levels getting too high.
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