Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a key role in proper function of the organs, tissues and cells in the body. It is also one of body's electrolytes that conducts electricity in the body and promotes normal heart, digestive, skeletal and muscle function. The body gets potassium from many of the foods you eat, as well as through supplementation, the latter of which should only be done under medical supervision.
Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia occurs when blood potassium levels are abnormally high. According to the Mayo Clinic, a normal potassium level is 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter, or mEq/L. A potassium reading higher than 6.0 mEq/L is potentially dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
Causes
Disorders that affect kidney function may result in hyperkalemia, because part of the kidneys' function is to remove excess potassium from the body. Chronic and acute kidney failure, glomerulonephritis -- a disease that affects the part of your kidneys that filters fluid and waste from the blood -- and obstructive uropathy, or blockage of urine flow, all can cause high blood potassium levels. Low levels of aldosterone, the hormone that regulates potassium and sodium levels, can also cause hyperkalemia. Other causes are medications such as the potassium-sparing diuretics spironolactone or amiloride, and overuse of potassium supplements.
Hyperkalemia in Women
Women who take the oral contraceptive Yasmin are especially at high risk for hyperkalemia. Yasmin contains 3 milligrams -- mg -- of progestin drospirenone, which has antimineralocorticoid properties comparable to 25 mg of spironolactone. Likewise, women with renal or adrenal insufficiency or hepatic dysfunction should not use Yasmin. Women taking medications that can increase serum potassium should consult their doctor and have their potassium level checked during the first treatment cycle.
Symptoms
High blood potassium usually presents no symptoms and is often only detected during a routine blood test. Some people may experience symptoms that require immediate medical attention such as nausea, irregular or weak heartbeat, weak or slow pulse, change in breathing pattern, neuromuscular changes and loss of consciousness. Prolonged hyperkalemia can lead to complications such as paralysis and cardiac arrest.
Treatment
Treatment for hyperkalemia include intravenous calcium to treat hyperkalemic effect on the muscles and heart; intravenous insulin and glucose to reverse symptoms long enough to remedy the underlying cause of the hyperkalemia; cation-exchange resin medication to attach potassium and remove it from the digestive tract; and diuretics, or water pills, to decrease total body potassium.
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