Chronic hyperkalemia in cardiorenal patients: Q&A for the cardio-nephrologists.

Abstract

Chronic hyperkalemia is a serious medical condition often present in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure (HF). It leads to poor outcomes and needs careful management by cardio-nephrologists. CKD, HF, diabetes and use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) drugs are known to induce hyperkalemia. The current therapeutic options are not optimal as shown by the large number of CKD and HF patients suffering from hyperkalemia. The following review focuses on the main risk factors that lead to the development of hyperkalemia and provides a guide for the correct diagnosis and new approaches to therapy. (Cardionephrology)