Which condition increases the risk of hyperkalemia?

End-stage renal disease significantly increases the risk of hyperkalemia. In this condition, the kidneys lose their ability to effectively filter waste products and balance electrolytes, including potassium. Normally, healthy kidneys excrete excess potassium in the urine. However, in end-stage renal disease, potassium levels can rise to dangerously high levels because the kidneys cannot maintain proper potassium excretion. This can lead to serious health complications, including cardiac issues, due to the critical role potassium plays in maintaining normal heart function.

The other conditions listed, while they may have their own effects on the body and might lead to other electrolyte imbalances, do not inherently cause hyperkalemia the way end-stage renal disease does. For example, Crohn's disease primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to issues like diarrhea, which commonly causes a loss of potassium rather than an increase. Cushing disease is characterized by excess cortisol, which typically leads to hypokalemia rather than hyperkalemia. Gastroesophageal reflux disease primarily involves the esophagus and does not directly impact potassium levels. Thus, the significant renal impairment associated with end-stage renal disease is the primary reason why it is closely linked to hyperkalemia.