# Potassium: Keep the Balance Safe

Laboratory monitoring and a clear action plan are more reliable than symptoms alone.

![Infographic: Potassium: Keep the Balance Safe](https://urinenephrology.org/visual-reference/images/patient-potassium-and-your-kidneys.png?v=20261003c)

## Why potassium matters

Potassium helps muscles and the heart work normally. Both high and low levels can be dangerous. You may feel well even when a blood test is abnormal.

## Why it changes

Kidney function, medications, illness, acid balance, and food all affect potassium. A surprising result may need confirmation, but urgent treatment must not be delayed when risk is high.

## Follow an urgent lab call now

If the team says your potassium is dangerous, follow the urgent assessment plan even if you feel well. A new abnormal heartbeat, chest pain, severe weakness, fainting, or trouble breathing means emergency help—do not wait for food changes to work.

## Check for potassium chloride

Read salt-substitute, electrolyte-drink, and supplement labels for potassium or potassium chloride. Show them to the pharmacist/dietitian. Helpful kidney/heart medicines also affect potassium; the team should guide changes rather than stopping them yourself.

## Personalize food changes

Restrictions depend on your results and treatment. A dietitian can identify the most useful changes while keeping meals varied and nourishing.

## Know the next check and treatment

Write down your potassium result, prescribed action, and repeat-test date. Take any binder using its exact timing and other-medicine instructions. Binders support ongoing control; they do not replace emergency care for a dangerous result or symptoms.

## Supporting evidence

- [Supporting guideline or source](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/healthy-eating-adults-chronic-kidney-disease)

## Source lessons

- [potassium and your kidneys](https://urinenephrology.org/patient-handouts/potassium-and-your-kidneys.html)

Read alongside the full lessons; the findings and decisions shown here require the stated clinical context.