Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with kidney disease?

Kidney disease often leads to hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. The kidneys play a critical role in maintaining the body’s electrolyte balance, including potassium levels. When kidney function is impaired, the kidneys may struggle to excrete potassium effectively. This can lead to a significant accumulation of potassium in the bloodstream, which can result in serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias.

Hyperkalemia is particularly concerning because potassium is vital for heart function, and high levels can disrupt normal heart rhythms. In individuals with kidney disease, it’s essential to monitor potassium levels closely due to the risks associated with elevated potassium, including potentially life-threatening situations.

Other electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia, hyponatremia, and hypercalcemia, are less commonly associated with kidney disease compared to hyperkalemia. In the setting of kidney disease, hyperkalemia is a direct consequence of the impaired kidney's inability to adequately filter and eliminate excess potassium from the body.