A high level of potassium, known as hyperkalemia, is a potentially dangerous condition that can cause an irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest and other problems, according to Medline Plus. Symptoms include changes in heart rhythm, nausea and slow, weak or absent pulse. Hyperkalemia is a serious condition that requires medical care.
Kidney Disorders
Most cases of high potassium levels are caused by kidney problems because the kidneys are normally responsible for eliminating excess potassium from the body, according to Medline Plus. When kidney function is impaired, too much potassium can build up. Hyperkalemia can be caused by acute or chronic kidney failure, nephritis, blocked urine flow and rejection of a kidney transplant. Inadequate levels of the hormone aldosterone, which regulates the kidney's potassium removal process, can also cause potassium levels to increase. Addison's disease can impair aldosterone levels.
Injury
Anything that causes cells to release potassium, increases blood levels, sometimes to dangerous levels, according to Medline Plus. When body tissues are too acidic, a condition known as acidosis, potassium levels rise. But injuries like burns, trauma, surgery, tumors, gastrointestinal bleeding can also lead to hyperkalemia, particularly if the kidney isn't functioning well and can't remove the potassium. Alcoholism or drug addiction can cause a condition called rhabdomyolysis that causes muscle fibers to break down and release potassium into the blood.
Other Factors
If kidney function is poor, an increase in potassium in the diet can lead to high blood potassium levels, according to Medline Plus. People on low-sodium diets may be at risk because many salt substitutes and low-salt processed foods contain high levels of potassium. Potassium supplements can also cause hyperkalemia. Some medications, such as spironolactone, amiloride or triamterene, and angiotensin-converting enzyme or ACE inhibitors, can increase potassium levels.
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