A high potassium level may indicate that you have a condition called hyperkalemia, according to MayoClinic.Com. Most cases of high potassium are caused by a disorder of the kidneys, affecting their ability to get rid of excess potassium. An abnormally high potassium level is whenever you have more than 6.0 milliequivalents of potassium per liter, or mEq/L, in your blood. Very high potassium can pose a danger to your health and requires immediate medical attention.
Normal Potassium Levels
A normal blood potassium level falls within the range of 3.6 to 4.8 mEq/L, states MayoClinic.Com, which goes on to say that high potassium readings might not be indicative of true hyperkalemia. Sometimes it's caused when blood cells rupture during or after your blood is drawn, after which they secrete potassium into the blood sample. Your report may falsely show elevated blood potassium.
Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia is usually caused by a kidney disorder, such as acute or chronic kidney failure, according to MayoClinic.Com. Other causes of high potassium can include Addison's disease, using angiotensin-converting enzyme "ACE" inhibitors, type 1 diabetes, alcoholism or drug use or a severe burn or other injury. Taking too many potassium supplements can also cause hyperkalemia.
High Potassium Symptoms
Often, people with hyperkalemia don't notice any symptoms, states the National Institutes of Health, or NIH. If you do have hyperkalemia, you may experience nausea, an irregular hearbeat or a slow or weak pulse.
At Risk
Certain populations are more at risk for high potassium levels than others. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, states that the elderly are more likely to suffer from hyperkalemia, because their kidneys are unable to filter out excess potassium. Additionally, older individuals may also take drugs that cause elevated potassium, such as ACE inhibitors and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.
What to Do
If you're concerned about high potassium levels, contact your treating physician, advises MayoClinic.Com. Hyperkalemia can be life-threatening; however, only rarely does your doctor discover it without running specific blood tests to check your potassium levels. You may need treatment for an underlying medical condition, or your doctor may need to change a medication you're taking if it causes high potassium.
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