High potassium, or hyperkalemia, is defined as a potassium level greater than 4.8 milliequivalents per liter in your blood, according to MayoClinic.com. Furthermore, a potassium greater than 6.0 is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Therefore, lowering potassium levels in the blood is important in preventing serious complications, including an irregular heartbeat and a slow, weak or absent pulse, states Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health.
Step 1
Seek emergency medical treatment if your potassium levels are high. If your potassium level is checked in a clinic, or a physician calls you to report high potassium levels in your blood, you should not hesitate to immediately go to the emergency room.
Step 2
Reduce your potassium levels in an emergent situation by taking prescribed sodium polystyrene sulfonate, or Kayexalate. This medication attaches to the potassium molecule and allows it to be excreted through the digestive tract. Other options include dialysis, diuretic medications, intravenous administration of glucose and insulin and sodium bicarbonate, according to Medline Plus.
Step 3
Treat high potassium levels over the long-term. Limit your potassium consumption in your diet, stop taking potassium supplements and take prescribed medications provided by your doctor to keep your potassium levels within normal limits.
Tips and Warnings
- Have your potassium levels checked regularly.
- Seek emergent treatment if you notice changes in your heartbeat or begin to feel dizzy or lightheaded.
