The side effects of high potassium levels, or hyperkalemia, are high blood pressure, heart problems and kidney stones. Potassium is an ionic salt necessary for all living things to function; it is essential for brain functions and balances energy transmissions among the body's cells. Potassium also regulates heartbeat, nerve impulses and kidney functions. Hyperkalemia causes breathing problems, headaches, nausea, chest pains, skin hives, and in extreme cases seizures and renal failure.
Heart Problems and High Blood Pressure
When potassium levels in the cells and blood increase beyond functional need the heart and blood pumping mechanisms are effected. The pumping action of heart valves and pressure within the cell walls are controlled by a balance of potassium and sodium. An increase in potassium floods into cells, distorting the heart's ability to regulate the pressure coming into and out of the chambers and valves. High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood filtering through the body and reentering the heart chambers strains the arteries, veins, venules and capillaries.
Kidney Stones and Renal Failure
Hyperkalemia results from the kidneys' inability to eliminate non-essential potassium. When the kidneys function properly this elimination is part of the normal excretion process; however, if potassium is ingested in large quantities or the kidneys are unable to filter potassium, hyperkalemia occurs. These high levels of potassium initially leave the kidney undamaged but kidney stones--calcified salts excreted in urination--may develop. If high levels of potassium build or remain unfiltered permanent damage and renal failure follow.
How Potassium Works in The Body
The body works on a balance of electrolytes, including sodium and potassium. These negatively and positively charged ionic salts cause a chemical reaction in human cellular structure. This chemical reaction charges the cells throughout the body with an electrical component that allows synapses in muscle fibers, nerve tissue, organ systems and brain message centers to work in coordination. These synaptic connections maintain the heartbeat, blood flow, cellular respiration and oxygen and carbon dioxide exchanges.
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