The Importance of Monitoring Potassium Levels

The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is urging awareness about the importance of monitoring potassium levels for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the occasion of National High Potassium Awareness Day, May 1st.

• Unmanaged potassium can lead to serious health complications, including cardiac arrest.

• The AAKP is concerned about a proposed FDA rule that would allow for potassium-based salt substitutes, arguing it would endanger people with CKD.

• The AAKP calls on patients to contact the FDA and Congress to voice their opposition to the proposed rule.

For healthy individuals, potassium is an essential nutrient. However, for those with CKD, the body struggles to remove potassium from the blood properly. This can lead to a buildup of potassium, known as hyperkalemia, which can cause serious health problems, including cardiac arrest.

The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is urging people with CKD to be aware of the risks of high potassium and to work with their doctor to monitor their levels. The AAKP is also expressing concern about a proposed FDA rule that would allow for the use of potassium-based salt substitutes. The AAKP believes this rule could endanger people with CKD by making it harder to control their potassium intake.

What you can do:

• Learn more about high potassium and CKD at AAKP’s website.

• Talk to your doctor about monitoring your potassium levels.

• If you have concerns about the proposed FDA rule, visit the AAKP Action Center to see how you can be involved.

Together, we can raise awareness and protect the health of those with chronic kidney disease.