[Consensus recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of hyperkalemia of the Austrian Society of Nephrology 2026].

Hyperkalemia represents a potentially life-threatening electrolyte disturbance that often necessitates prompt diagnosis and treatment. Although uncommon in the general population, the risk is substantially increased in the presence of comorbidities, such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus or heart failure. Pharmacological therapies that interfere with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system further increase this risk. The treatment of hyperkalemia is based on acute interventions to stabilize cardiac conduction abnormalities, promote intracellular potassium redistribution, and enhance renal or gastrointestinal potassium elimination. Early identification of clinical situations that can lead to severe hyperkalemia, such as fever or diarrhea is essential in high-risk patients to timely initiate preventive measures.