Chronic Hyperkalemia in Cardiorenal Patients: Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and New Treatment Options

Cardiorenal Med. 2019;9(1):8-21. doi: 10.1159/000493395. Epub 2018 Oct 25.

Abstract

Chronic hyperkalemia (HK) is a serious medical condition that often manifests in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure (HF) leading to poor outcomes and necessitating careful management by cardionephrologists. CKD, HF, diabetes, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors use is known to induce HK. Current therapeutic options are not optimal, as pointed out by a large number of CKD and HF patients with HK. The following review will focus on the main risk factors for developing HK and also aims to provide a guide for a correct diagnosis and present new approaches to therapy.

Keywords: Chronic kidney disease; Heart failure; Hyperkalemia; Potassium binder; Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardio-Renal Syndrome / blood
  • Cardio-Renal Syndrome / complications*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Disease Management*
  • Electrocardiography / methods*
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Hyperkalemia* / diagnosis
  • Hyperkalemia* / epidemiology
  • Hyperkalemia* / therapy
  • Incidence
  • Potassium / blood*

Substances

  • Potassium