High potassium in the blood is called hyperkalemia. Potassium is responsible for helping conduct electrical currents in the cells of the body. The electrical currents are used by cells for such functions as communication and contraction of muscle cells. High potassium disrupts the ability of the cells to properly perform their functions. Since organs are made of cells, the organs will become dysfunctional, starting with those that rely most on electrical transmission.
Heart Problems
The heart needs a steady, appropriate concentration of potassium in the blood in order to function correctly. High potassium levels in the blood derange the transmission of electrical currents in the heart. According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," this can lead to irregular heartbeats, which may cause no symptoms, or lead to dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, intolerance of activity and malaise. Very high potassium can also cause fatal heart rhythms or cause the heart to stop beating.
Muscle Weakness
Skeletal muscles and the nerves that communicate with them also require a normal level of potassium in order to function properly. High potassium can cause muscle weakness from dysfunctional nerve transmission signaling the muscles to contract, and from direct effects on the muscles. This can also be experienced as generalized weakness.
Malaise and Increased Breathing
The combined effect on the muscles and heart can lead to symptoms of malaise. In addition, high potassium in the blood is associated with increased acid levels in the blood. The increased acid concentration provokes a response by the body to increase rate of breathing. This eliminates more carbon dioxide from the body, and lowers the acidity of the blood.
References
- "Robbin's and Kumar Pathologic Basis of Disease, 8th Ed."; Vinay Kumar et al.; 2009
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 17th Ed."; Anthony S Fauci et al; 2008
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