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<p>Hyperkalaemia usually occurs in patients with renal impairment which can be acute
or chronic. In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), several factors increase
susceptibility to hyperkalaemia including a high dietary potassium intake relative
to residual renal function. When patients with CKD have other risk factors, for example
treatment with drugs that interfere with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system,
the risk of hyperkalaemia is further increased. Clinical presentation of hyperkalaemia
is highly variable with some patients presenting with an acute illness whilst others
may be asymptomatic.</p><p> </p><p>Although not completely preventable, the risk of
developing hyperkalaemia can be reduced. Clinical practice guidelines treatment of
acute hyperkalaemia in adults, a collaboration between the Renal Association and Resuscitation
Council UK that is endorsed by a range of organisations, including the College of
Emergency Medicine and the Faculty of Intensive Care medicine, sets out evidence-based
guidance on the management of the condition. It was developed to improve the treatment
of acute hyperkalaemia and to reduce the risk of complications associated with hyperkalaemia
and its treatment. The main measures in primary prevention in patients with CKD are
regular blood monitoring, careful drug prescribing and dietary advice. Patient information
and education may reduce the risk of inadvertent hyperkalaemia. The guidance can be
found at the following link:</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://renal.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/hyperkalaemia-guideline-1.pdf"
target="_blank">https://renal.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/hyperkalaemia-guideline-1.pdf</a></p><p>
</p><p>Information regarding the annual cost to the National Health Service of treating
hyperkalaemia in Coventry South and England is not available. This answer covers England
only. Funding of such services in the other United Kingdom nations is a matter for
the respective devolved administrations.</p>
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