- Kidney’s Role: Healthy kidneys regulate calcium levels by activating vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium from food, and by filtering excess calcium from the blood.
- CKD and Calcium: When kidneys are damaged by chronic kidney disease (CKD), they may not be able to perform these functions properly, leading to imbalances in calcium levels.
- Hypocalcemia (Low Calcium):
- Kidney disease can cause low calcium levels, which can lead to bone weakness and an increased risk of fractures.
- Low calcium can also be linked to low vitamin D levels, which are common in CKD.
- Symptoms of low calcium include muscle cramps, tingling fingers, and abdominal cramps.
- Hypercalcemia (High Calcium):
- While less common than low calcium, high calcium levels can also occur in kidney disease.
- Symptoms of high calcium include fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
- Calcium and Bone Health: Imbalances in calcium and phosphorus (another mineral regulated by the kidneys) can lead to mineral and bone disorders, causing bone weakness and increased risk of fractures.
- Calcium and Cardiovascular Health: Both low and high calcium levels can have implications for cardiovascular health, potentially leading to heart disease and stroke.
- Kidney’s Role: Healthy kidneys play a crucial role in regulating potassium levels by filtering excess potassium from the blood and excreting it in urine.
- CKD and Potassium: When kidneys are damaged, they may not be able to efficiently remove potassium, leading to high potassium levels (hyperkalemia).
- Hyperkalemia (High Potassium):
- High potassium levels can be dangerous, especially for the heart.
- Symptoms of hyperkalemia include nausea, weakness, numbness, and a slow pulse.
- Hyperkalemia is a common complication of CKD, particularly in advanced stages.
- Hypokalemia (Low Potassium):
- While less common, low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can also occur in kidney disease, especially in the early stages.
- Low potassium can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and irregular heartbeats.
- Managing Potassium: People with CKD may need to follow a low-potassium diet to help manage potassium levels.
- Potassium and Diet: Working with a registered dietitian can help individuals with CKD learn about foods that are high in potassium and how to limit their intake.
Treatments
- Monitoring: Regular blood tests are crucial for monitoring calcium and potassium levels in people with CKD.
- Medications: Depending on the specific imbalance, medications may be used to help regulate calcium and potassium levels.
- Dietary Changes: Following a kidney-friendly diet, which may include limiting potassium and phosphorus intake, can help manage these imbalances.
- Dialysis: In some cases, dialysis may be necessary to remove excess potassium and other waste products from the blood.
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