Hyperkalemia

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(Redirected from High potassium)

Higher than normal levels of potassium in the circulating blood is called hyperkalemia and is associated with kidney failure or sometimes with the use of diuretic drugs.

Cause of hyperkalemia
Cause of hyperkalemia

Causes[edit | edit source]

Potassium is a mineral that is needed for our cells to function properly which is normally obtained via food.

Role of kidneys[edit | edit source]

The kidneys remove excess potassium through the urine to keep a proper balance of this mineral in the body. When the kidneys are not working well, they may not be able to remove the proper amount of potassium leading to hyperkalemia.

Some of the causes include:

  • Addison disease -- Disease in which the adrenal glands do not make enough hormones, reducing the kidneys' ability to remove potassium from the body
  • Burns over large areas of the body
  • Some blood pressure lowering drugs, most often angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers
  • Damage to muscle and other cells from certain street drugs, alcohol abuse, untreated seizures, surgery, crush injuries and falls, certain chemotherapy, or certain infections
  • Disorders that cause blood cells to burst (hemolytic anemia)
  • Severe bleeding from the stomach or intestines
  • Taking extra potassium, such as salt substitutes or supplements
  • Tumors
Hyperkalemia ECG
Hyperkalemia ECG

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

While it can be asymptomatic, some may experience the following symptoms:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Slow, weak, or irregular pulse
  • Chest pain
  • Palpitations
  • Sudden collapse, when the heartbeat gets too slow or even stops
ECG in hyperkalemia
ECG in hyperkalemia

Tests[edit | edit source]

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Blood potassium level
ECG demonstrating hyperkalemia with absent P waves
ECG demonstrating hyperkalemia with absent P waves

Treatment[edit | edit source]

  • You will need emergency treatment if your potassium level is very high, or if you have danger signs, such as changes in your ECG.
  • Emergency treatment may include:
  • Calcium given into your veins (IV) to treat the muscle and heart effects of high potassium levels
  • Glucose and insulin given into your veins (IV) to help lower potassium levels long enough to correct the cause
  • Dialysis if your kidney function is poor

Other medicines

  • Sodium bicarbonate if the problem is caused by acidosis
  • Some diuretics that increase the excretion of potassium by your kidney
  • Changes in your diet can help both prevent and treat high potassium levels.

Dietary changes[edit | edit source]

Hyperkalemia Resources
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