High potassium levels, also referred to as hyperkalemia, result when the level of potassium in the blood is too high. Several different disorders, including acute kidney failure, Addison's disease and type 1 diabetes, as well as high blood pressure medications known as ACE inhibitors, can cause potassium levels to rise and become dangerous. The normal range for blood-potassium levels is 3.7 to 5.2 milliequivalent per liter, mEq/L, according to MedlinePlus.
Acute Kidney Failure
Acute kidney failure can cause high potassium levels. Kidney failure can be caused by a number of disorders, such as autoimmune kidney disease, very low blood pressure, urinary tract obstruction, infections that cause a direct kidney injury and certain pregnancy complications. The most common symptoms of acute kidney failure include bloody stools, bruising easily, decreased appetite, flank pain, fatigue, breath odor, high blood pressure, nosebleeds and prolonged bleeding, fluid retention, hand tremor, urination changes, and nausea and vomiting, according to MedlinePlus.
Addison's Disease
Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands, which are located on top of each kidney, do not produce enough adrenal hormones, according to MedlinePlus. Causes of Addison's disease include genetic defects, an autoimmune disease, blood loss, tumors, blood-thinning medications and certain infections, such as HIV, fungal infections or tuberculosis. Symptoms of this condition include heart-rate changes, chronic diarrhea, blood pressure changes, paleness, fatigue, mouth lesions, craving salt, unintentional weight loss, skin darkening, severe weakness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and moving slowly or sluggishly.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
More simply referred to as ACE inhibitors, this type of medication is used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. They work by decreasing the amount of water and salt in the body, and by blocking the enzyme that narrows the arteries, according to the Texas Heart Institute. Common side effects can include dry cough, headache, loss of appetite, skin sensitive to sunlight, dizziness, joint pain, lightheadedness, numbness in feet or hands, fainting, diarrhea, loss of taste or metallic taste, feet or hand tingling, upset stomach, fatigue and fever.
Type 1 Diabetes
This type of diabetes is not curable and is lifelong. It occurs when the pancreas does not produce adequate insulin, resulting in poor blood sugar control. The cause of a malfunctioning pancreas is not known, but it is thought that some people are genetically susceptible and develop this condition due to an environmental or viral trigger, according to MedlinePlus. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood. Symptoms include fatigue, excessive thirst, unintentional weight loss, tingling or absence of feeling in feet, hunger, frequent urination and blurred vision.
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