High Potassium Awareness Day

May 1 is National High Potassium Awareness Day. The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) “Are You O-K+” campaign is returning to highlight the devastating impacts of unmanaged potassium in people with chronic kidney disease.

Over three million U.S. adults have experienced high potassium, known as hyperkalemia.

Potassium is present in many foods and plays crucial roles within the body. AAKP notes that kidney patients are at an increased risk for hyperkalemia due to their decreased kidney function and an inability to excrete excess nutrients.

“Among these patients, potassium can accumulate to toxic levels, leading to serious health issues that may include an irregular heartbeat, heart attack, temporary paralysis, or even death,” the organization noted. “By using the scientific symbol for potassium, K+, along with the familiar phrase ‘Are You Ok,’ this campaign is recognizable and empowers those with kidney diseases to monitor their potassium levels. A potassium level of 5.1 may be considered a sign of high potassium, making May 1 (5.1) a crucial date for annual awareness.”

The first National High Potassium Awareness Day took place in 2020.

The American Association of Kidney Patients has a number of resources at www.areyouok.org, including a downloadable infographic and fact sheet.