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    Cancer

    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:

    • 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 nuts, cashews, or mixed nuts

    • "Lite" or reduced sodium salt

    Other home care

    • 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.

    • 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, 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:

    • Slow, irregular heartbeat

    • Fatigue

    • Dizziness

    • Lightheadedness

    • Confusion

    • Weakness

    Call 911

    Call 911 if you have any of these:

    • Chest pain

    • Fainting

    • 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.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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