Hyperkalemia is the medical term for high levels of potassium in the blood. While mild hyperkalemia may not cause any symptoms or long-lasting problems, severe hyperkalemia can be life-threatening. Learning about high levels of potassium in the blood will help you understand how potassium affects the body and what can be done to treat hyperkalemia.
Causes
High potassium levels can be caused by a number of medical conditions and drugs. Hormone deficiencies that result in adrenal failure can cause serum potassium levels to surge. Chronic kidney disease and renal failure make it difficult for the body to maintain normal levels of electrolytes. Since potassium is an electrolyte, this can lead to hyperkalemia. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) and excessive use of potassium supplements can also cause potassium levels to increase. Other causes of hyperkalemia include destruction of red blood cells, alcoholism and heavy drug use.
Risk Factors
Several risk factors make it more likely a person will develop high potassium. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine are waste products that are normally filtered out of the body by the kidneys. According to the University of Washington, a blood urea nitrogen level greater than 18 and a creatinine level greater than 1.6 increase the risk for hyperkalemia. People who use ACE inhibitors for long periods of time, and people who have congestive heart failure and are over the age of 70, are also at an increased risk for this condition.
Signs and Symptoms
Slight increases in potassium may not cause any symptoms. More dramatic increases can cause nausea, irregular heartbeat and a pulse that is slow, absent or weak.
Diagnosis
Serum potassium levels can be checked with a simple blood test that determines how much potassium is in a blood sample. An electrocardiogram, which is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart, can also help diagnose this condition. High potassium levels can cause ventricular fibrillation, heart block and a slow heartbeat that can be detected with an EKG.
Treatment
Very high potassium levels require emergency treatment. Drugs known as cation-exchange resin medications can attach to potassium and remove it from the gastrointestinal tract. Kidney dialysis can be used to reduce levels of potassium in the blood. Intravenous calcium, intravenous glucose and oral diuretics can also be used to decrease total potassium and treat the symptoms of hyperkalemia. If high potassium occurs as the result of a chronic medical condition, potassium intake may be limited or loop diuretics may be described to reduce potassium levels.
Risks and Complications
Severe hyperkalemia can cause serious cardiac complications. Left untreated, high levels of potassium can cause heart arrhythmia and cardiac arrest. Hyperkalemia can also cause changes in muscle and nerve control.
