High Potassium (hyperkalemia)

Background Information 

Having hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels) can cause fatal arrhythmias or your heart to stop. You cannot “feel” a high blood potassium level.

• Certain medications can raise blood potassium levels including certain blood pressure medications, anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen). Note: Do NOT stop any prescribed medications without informing your health care provider
• Ensure that you are not dehydrated, especially if you have kidney disease

Cut back on high potassium foods. Examples of common high potassium foods include:

• dried fruits (figs, dates, prunes)
• limabeans
• nuts
• avocados
• bran cereals
• vegetables: spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, beets, potatoes, cauliflower
• Fruits: bananas, cantaloupe, kiwis, oranges, mangoes
• Meats: ground beef, steak, pork, veal, lamb
• Note: you do not need to eliminate all of these foods. Usually a reduction will do.
• Sometimes if your blood potassium is dangerously high, you may be asked to go to the hospital ER to quickly bring your potassium levels down using intravenous medications