Discharge Instructions for Hyperkalemia
You have been diagnosed with hyperkalemia. This means you have a high level of potassium in your blood. Potassium is important to the function of the nerve and muscle cells, including the cells of the heart. But a high level of potassium in the blood cause serious problems such as abnormal heart rhythms and even heart attack.
Diet changes
Eat less of these potassium-rich foods:
-
Bananas (do not eat bananas)
-
Apricots, fresh or dried
-
Oranges and orange juice
-
Grapefruit juice
-
Tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato juice
-
Spinach
-
Green, leafy vegetables, including salad greens, kale, broccoli, chard, and collards
-
Melons of all kinds
-
Peas
-
Beans
-
Potatoes
-
Sweet potatoes
-
Avocados and guacamole
-
Vegetable juice (homemade or store-bought) and vegetable juice cocktail
-
Fruit juices
-
Nuts, including pistachios, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, Brazil, cashew, mixed
-
"Lite" or reduced sodium salt
Other home care
-
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you are taking. Certain medicines can increase potassium levels.
-
Take all medicines exactly as directed.
-
Have your potassium levels checked regularly.
-
Keep all follow-up appointments. Your healthcare provider needs to monitor your condition closely.
-
Learn to take your own pulse. If your pulse is less than 60 beats per minute or irregular, call your provider.
Follow-up
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:
Call 911
Call 911 if you have any of these:
-
Chest pain
-
Fainting
-
Shortness of breath
Online Medical Reviewer:
Diane Horowitz MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Paula Goode RN BSN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Date Last Reviewed:
2/1/2020
© 2000-2021 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.