Potassium is an important electrolyte and mineral in the body that affects various organ systems. A high potassium level is known as hyperkalemia, which occurs when potassium is found in the bloodstream at concentrations higher than therapeutic levels. Hyperkalemia can occur as a result of impaired kidney function; some types of heart medications; and an increase in the consumption of potassium-rich foods, such as bananas or oranges, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Irregular Heart Rate
High potassium levels lead to an irregular heart rhythm. This can mean a heart rate that is too fast, too slow or that does not beat at a standard pace, reports MedlinePlus, a website from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. A person may feel palpitations, or the feeling of his heart beating within his chest. An irregular heartbeat can cause dizziness or shortness of breath because the heart is not able to provide enough oxygenated blood to the brain and the lungs. According to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center College of Medicine, severe cases of hyperkalemia may cause a heart attack if left untreated.
Muscle Weakness
Potassium is involved in the regulation of muscle functions, and too much potassium can alter the work of the muscles. This results in weakness, causing a lack of strength for daily activities or an inability to move major muscle groups. A person with high potassium may also have extreme fatigue, lacking energy for everyday interests, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Paresthesia
Because potassium plays a role in the adjustment of nerve functions, hyperkalemia may cause numbness and tingling. This is known as paresthesia and is felt on the skin. A person with too much potassium may have the sensation of prickling on the skin or a feeling of "pins and needles." Numbness may lead to a loss of function, similar to the feeling of an arm or leg falling asleep, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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