Under normal circumstances, the kidneys are responsible for excreting 90% of the potassium that is consumed daily, with the remaining 10% excreted by feces. People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high risk for hyperkalemia, due in part to the effects of kidney dysfunction on potassium homeostasis.

How does renal failure affect potassium?

When kidneys fail they can no longer remove excess potassium, so the level builds up in the body. High potassium in the blood is called hyperkalemia, which may occur in people with advanced stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Some of the effects of high potassium are nausea, weakness, numbness and slow pulse.

Does CKD cause hypo or hyperkalemia?

Hypokalemia. Although equally dangerous, hypokalemia is less common in CKD patients, as impaired renal K excretion usually leads to hyperkalemia. CKD patients can, however, still develop hypokalemia due to gastrointestinal K loss from diarrhea or vomiting or renal K loss from non-K-sparing diuretics.