The Journal of Clinical Hypertension (Mar 2023)

Prevalence and management of hyperkalemia in chronic kidney disease and heart failure patients in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

  • Ali AlSahow,
  • Mohammad AbdulShafy,
  • Saeed Al‐Ghamdi,
  • Harith AlJoburi,
  • Osama AlMogbel,
  • Fadel Al‐Rowaie,
  • Nizar Attallah,
  • Feras Bader,
  • Hisham Hussein,
  • Mohamed Hassan,
  • Khaldoun Taha,
  • Matthew R. Weir,
  • Faiez Zannad

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/jch.14633
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 25, no. 3
pp. 251 – 258

Abstract

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Abstract Hyperkalemia is a frequent complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or heart failure (HF) and associated with neuromuscular manifestations, changes in the electrocardiogram, and increased risk of mortality. While data on the prevalence and management of hyperkalemia in the gulf region are scarce, risk factors such as preference for potassium‐rich foods (e.g., dates and dried fruits/vegetables), periods of intense fasting (e.g., Ramadan), and diabetes (an ancestor of CKD and HF) are common. Therefore, a panel of nephrologists and cardiologists from countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened to collate and review available data on the prevalence, regional drivers, and current practice in the management of hyperkalemia in the region. Eventually, this review provides consensus recommendations on a balanced utilization of dietary and pharmacological options including new potassium binders for achieving and sustainably maintaining desirable serum potassium levels in countries of the GCC region. Alignment with regional habits and practice was a key aspect to facilitate the uptake of the recommendations into physicians’ practice and patients’ lives.

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