Potassium Dysregulation in Patients with CKD: Time to Focus on Low Potassium Intake and Hypokalemia

Abstract

Hyperkalemia has long been the focus of potassium (K+) dysregulation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, while the risks of hyperkalemia are well known and clearly important, there is growing evidence that hypokalemia occurs at least as frequently in those with CKD and is associated with an increase in all cause or cardiovascular (CV) mortality as well as a faster progression of renal disease and earlier requirement for kidney replacement therapy (KRT). This is a brief review of low K+ intake and hypokalemia in patients with CKD.