National High Potassium Awareness Day

NATIONAL HIGH POTASSIUM AWARENESS DAY IS 5.1.23

Join together on May 1 (5.1) each year to learn and share knowledge about HIGH POTASSIUM, also known as HYPERKALEMIA! It is important for people living with kidney disease to learn about potassium and to be aware of how much potassium they take in.

Potassium is an important mineral (K) that plays a key role in controlling the function of nerves and muscles, particularly the heart. Potassium is found in many foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. Most of the extra potassium eaten in the diet is removed by the kidneys. When kidney function decreases to a certain level, the body cannot get rid of as much extra potassium. If potassium levels become too high (for example, if too much potassium is taken in and kidney function is not good enough to remove the extra potassium, or if potassium levels rise due to certain medications), then serious and potentially life-threatening side effects could occur. The SAFE range for your blood potassium level is considered to be under 5.1 (3.5 -5.0 mEq/L).