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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. This includes the cells of the heart. But a high level of potassium in the blood causes serious problems. These include abnormal heart rhythms and even heart attack.
Diet changes
Eat less of these potassium-rich foods:
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Bananas
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Apricots, fresh or dried
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Oranges and orange juice
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Grapefruit juice
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Tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato juice
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Spinach
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Green, leafy vegetables, including salad greens, kale, broccoli, chard, and collards
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Melons of all kinds
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Peas
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Beans
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Potatoes
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Sweet potatoes
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Avocados and guacamole
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Vegetable juice (homemade or store-bought) and vegetable juice cocktail
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Fruit juices
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Nuts, including pistachios, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, or mixed nuts
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"Lite" or reduced sodium salt
Other home care
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Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Also tell them about herbal or dietary supplements you are taking. Certain medicines and supplements can increase potassium levels.
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Take all medicines exactly as directed.
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Have your potassium levels checked regularly.
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Keep all follow-up appointments. Your healthcare provider needs to monitor your condition closely.
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Learn to take your own pulse. If your pulse is less than 60 beats per minute, greater than 100 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:
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Chest pain
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Fainting
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Shortness of breath
Online Medical Reviewer:
Brittany Poulson MDA RDN CD CDE
Online Medical Reviewer:
Diane Horowitz MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
Date Last Reviewed:
7/1/2022
© 2000-2024 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.