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The Valsartan/Hyperkalemia Connection 

The Valsartan/Hyperkalemia Connection 

My wonderful nephrologist and I had a Telemedicine appointment this past week. Last time we had one, six months ago, he prescribed Valsartan since my usual blood pressure was 139/78. That was too high.  

I had forgotten to record my blood pressure for a few days prior to this appointment. I most often did that to give him an average, so I quickly took it when I awoke that day. Let’s remember that both CKD brain fog and chemo brain took their toll on me. 

It was 158/69. Okay, I figured, I’ll take the drug and see what happens with my blood pressure before the call. I was astounded. After taking the Valsartan, my blood pressure went down to 129/67. It had been less than three hours. 

Well, you’ve probably figured out by now that Valsartan is a blood pressure drug. Let’s see what GoodRX has to say about this drug.    

“Diovan (valsartan) is a medication used to lower blood pressure. It can also help protect the kidneys, so it is a good first-line option for people with both hypertension and diabetes.” 

Diovan is the brand name. Valsartan is the generic name. I have hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, so I won on all three [some victory, huh?]. Of course, now I wanted to know how it worked. I went straight to WebMD

“Valsartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.” 

A little more on ARBs, I thought. The Mayo Clinic offered this information: 

“Angiotensin is a chemical in your body that narrows your blood vessels. This narrowing can increase your blood pressure and force your heart to work harder. 

Angiotensin II receptor blockers block the action of angiotensin II. As a result, the medication allows your veins and arteries to widen (dilate).” 

Now I understand why this works for hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes, and even heart failure. 

During this appointment, my nephrologist reminded me to watch my potassium since I was taking valsartan. Huh? I didn’t remember him telling me about the valsartan/potassium connection during our last appointment. Was it brain fog and chemo brain at work again? 

Apparently, this is important. Healthline even has what they actually call important warnings: 

“Low blood pressure warning: This drug can cause your blood pressure to drop too low. This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and headache. You may have a higher risk if you’re dehydrated or take high doses of diuretics (water pills). 

High blood potassium warning: This drug can increase your potassium levels. Your risk may be higher if you have kidney problems or heart failure. Your doctor may check your potassium levels with blood tests while you’re taking this drug.” 

Do you remember what potassium is? No problem if you don’t. Medline Plus, will remind us. 

“Potassium is a mineral that your body needs to work properly. It is a type of electrolyte. It helps your nerves to function and muscles to contract. It helps your heartbeat stay regular. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium’s harmful effects on blood pressure…. 

Your kidneys help to keep the right amount of potassium in your body. If you have chronic kidney disease, your kidneys may not remove extra potassium from the blood. Some medicines also can raise your potassium level. You may need a special diet to lower the amount of potassium that you eat.” 

My nephrologist – and every other doctor I see – does check my electrolyte levels. As mentioned by Medline Plus, potassium is an electrolyte. High potassium is called hyperkalemia. The National Kidney Foundation tells us the most common causes of hyperkalemia are: 

“Kidney Disease. Hyperkalemia can happen if your kidneys do not work well. It is the job of the kidneys to balance the amount of potassium taken in with the amount lost in urine. Potassium is taken in through the foods you eat and the liquids you drink. It is filtered by the kidneys and lost through the urine. In the early stages of kidney disease, the kidneys can often make up for high potassium. But as kidney function gets worse, they may not be able to remove enough potassium from your body. Advanced kidney disease is a common cause of hyperkalemia. 

A diet high in potassium. Eating too much food that is high in potassium can also cause hyperkalemia, especially in people with advanced kidney disease. Foods such as cantaloupe, honeydew melon, orange juice, and bananas are high in potassium. [Noooooo, I love these fruits.]  

Drugs that prevent the kidneys from losing enough potassium. Some drugs can keep your kidneys from removing enough potassium. This can cause your potassium levels to rise. [like Valsartan]” 

This does not paint a pretty picture. I need Valsartan to control my blood pressure, but it may cause damage to my kidneys and my heart. I can avoid the foods that have high potassium even though they’re my favorites. I get my electrolytes tested often enough to feel like a pin cushion. Make no mistake: hyperkalemia can be life-threatening. 

There’s no avoiding that everything is our bodies is connected. To help our hearts and kidneys, we may actually be doing the opposite. That’s why I’m glad I’m not a doctor and see specialists to make sure everything is balanced and safe. Of course, I asked questions until I understood the answers, but I trust my doctors. My life is too important for a layperson [me] to make decisions about balancing the actions of my organs. 

Until next week,  

Keep living your life! 

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