According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, 98 percent of potassium in the body is in the organs and cells, and only a small amount is present in the bloodstream. A normal potassium level is 3.6 millequivalents per liter. A blood potassium level higher than 6.0 mEq/L is potentially dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. High potassium levels result in a condition known as hyperkalemia.
Symptoms
Some people exhibit no hyperkalemic symptoms, and the condition goes undetected until a medical exam is performed. Others may experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, irregular heartbeat, numbness or tingling, difficulty breathing, vomiting and nausea. Paralysis can result in persons with severe hyperkalemia. Conditions that affect kidney function are the most common causes of hyperkalemia.
Kidney Failure
Most cases of hyperkalemia are caused by acute and chronic kidney failure. Kidney disease or damage impairs the kidneys' ability to remove excess potassium from the body, and this causes potassium to build up in the bloodstream.
Addison's Disease
Addison's disease is a disorder in which the adrenal glands become infected and do not produce enough of the hormone aldosterone. Aldosterone regulates kidney removal of potassium and sodium. Potassium can build up in the kidneys as a result of insufficient secretion of aldosterone.
Acidosis
Acidosis results when potassium releases from the cells and builds up in the bloodstream. A common cause of acidosis is tissue injuries such as burns, trauma, stomach or intestinal bleeding, surgery and tumors. Normal potassium levels will not be impacted by tissue trauma if kidney and adrenal function are normal, because the kidneys will be able to remove the extra potassium. Hyperkalemia can develop, however, if kidney function is poor.
Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis occurs when muscle fibers break down and releases myoglobin into the bloodstream. The myoglobin can be harmful to kidneys and often results in kidney disease or damage that prevents the kidneys from being able to remove potassium. A common cause of rhabdomyolysis is excessive drug and alcohol use.
Over-Supplementation
The primary sources of potassium are found in meats, fish such as cod, flounder and salmon, fruits, vegetables, legumes and dairy products. Hyperkalemia can develop, however, when the diet is exceptionally high in these types of foods. Excessive use of potassium supplements or eating a lot of foods that are high in salt and sodium can also cause hyperkalemia.
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