What is the consequence of untreated hyperkalemia in kidney patients?

Untreated hyperkalemia, which refers to elevated potassium levels in the blood, can lead to serious heart rhythm disturbances. In kidney patients, their ability to excrete potassium properly can be compromised, increasing the risk of hyperkalemia. Elevated potassium levels directly affect the electrical activity of the heart, potentially causing arrhythmias, which can be life-threatening.

The mechanism involves changes in the resting membrane potential of cardiac cells, leading to a range of symptoms from mild palpitations to severe conditions like ventricular fibrillation, which can result in cardiac arrest. Therefore, managing potassium levels is crucial in individuals with kidney dysfunction to prevent these serious cardiac complications.