Toxic levels of potassium, a condition referred to as hyperkalemia, occur when the potassium levels in the blood become higher than normal. Blood potassium levels normally range between 3.6 to 4.8 mEq/L. Blood potassium levels higher than 6.0 mEq/L are considered dangerous and require emergency medical treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Functions of Potassium
Over 95 percent of the potassium in the body is located inside the cells. The remaining 5 percent of potassium is distributed throughout the fluid outside of the cells, including the blood. Potassium helps maintain fluid balance, acid-base balance and pH of the blood. Potassium also plays important roles in muscle contraction, transmission of nerve signals and bone health, according to "Nutrition and You" by Joan Salge Blake. When potassium levels get too high, it can disrupt normal body function and become toxic to the body.
Causes
The most common causes of hyperkalemia are problems with the kidneys, such as acute kidney failure or chronic kidney failure. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, they cannot efficiently remove potassium from the blood. Because of this, potassium can accumulate to dangerous levels. Other possible causes of hyperkalemia include alcoholism, Type 1 diabetes, Addison's disease, severe injury or burns and the chronic use of potassium supplements.
Symptoms
According to Medline Plus, hyperkalemia often does not cause any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include nausea, slow or weak pulse and an irregular heartbeat, which is called an arrhythmia. Some people may also experience muscle weakness, numbness in the feet and hands and tingling in the skin, according to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Treatment
Toxic levels of potassium in the blood are treated with an intravenous administration of a fluid solution that contains insulin and glucose. The combination of insulin and glucose helps the body absorb the excess amounts of potassium that are circulating through the bloodstream. Calcium may also be administered in an effort to protect the heart muscle from any damaging effects of too much potassium in the blood. If the hyperkalemia developed as a result of kidney failure, dialysis may be needed to restore electrolyte balance. Once the electrolyte balance is restored, further treatment focuses on correcting the underlying cause of the hyperkalemia.
Complications
Toxic levels of potassium in the blood can lead to heart attack, permanent arrhythmias or changes in nerve and muscular control, according to Medline Plus. Some people are able to tolerate the condition, while the condition may result in death for others.
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