An excess of potassium in the body is known as hyperkalemia. It can be caused by many things, from taking an excess of potassium supplements to poor kidney function. The National Institutes of Health reports that a trauma to the body, such as surgery or internal bleeding, can also trigger cells to release potassium, causing a buildup in the bloodstream. Hyperkalemia may show no symptoms or exhibit some that can be serious.
Heart Symptoms
The most serious symptoms of hyperkalemia involve the heart. A 2006 issue of the Texas Heart Institute Journal reports that high potassium levels can cause irregular heartbeats, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmia and possible death. Patients may also experience was is called pseudo myocardial infarction, which is a false heart attack. The feeling of pseudo myocardial infarction is often reported when chest pains are experienced along with the irregular heartbeats. If you are taking potassium supplements or are on any medications and experience these symptoms, be sure to let your physician know, so he can treat you for hyperkalemia and not heart symptoms. Treating the hyperkalemia immediately can alleviate the arrhythmia.
Muscle Symptoms
Excess potassium levels can also cause symptoms that involve the muscular system. The Mayo Clinic lists muscle weakness, muscle fatigue and paralysis as the most reported symptoms that accompany hyperkalemia. Often there are reports of a tingling sensation in the muscles and nerves throughout the body, and the University of Maryland Medical Center states that there can also be numbness present.
Stomach Symptoms
There are few symptoms of hyperkalemia that affect the stomach or digestive system. When one is reported, it is most often nausea, which may or may not be accompanied by diarrhea. The NIH reports that nausea is often considered an emergency symptom of hyperkalemia, especially if it is accompanied by a slow heart rate and changes in breathing.
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