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The health risks of high potassium
Potassium is an important nutrient that helps keep your muscles working properly and your heartbeat regular. In people with healthy kidneys, extra potassium is removed from the body.
But if your kidneys aren’t working well, they might not be able to do what they’re supposed to—and the potassium level in your blood can become higher than normal. That condition is called high potassium (or hyperkalemia), and it can lead to serious health issues.
Cindy Smith, CNN-NP, talks with patients about the risks of high potassium.
WATCH VIDEO >High potassium can cause serious, life-threatening health issues
For people living with certain types of kidney problems (like chronic kidney disease, or CKD), high potassium can lead to health issues. That’s why it’s important to treat it.
- Irregular heartbeatAlso chest pain or feeling the heart skipping beats
- Heart problemsIncluding the risk of a heart attack
- Possible hospitalizationCould result from temporary paralysis or other issues
The health issues that come from high potassium can happen more than once—and it’s hard to know when.
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The Stay-on-Track program can help you manage your high potassium with tips for healthy living, recipes, and reminders for taking VELTASSA as prescribed. Get a carrying case when you sign up!
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