Healthy adults typically have a blood potassium levels between 3.6 and 4.8 milliequivalents per liter, or mEq/L. If the amount of potassium in your blood exceeds 6.0 mEq/L, your doctor may diagnose you with a condition called hyperkalemia. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about the causes of high blood potassium levels.
Kidney Disease or Damage
Normally your kidneys function to remove excess waste products -- including potassium -- from your body. If your kidneys aren't functioning properly due to acute or chronic kidney failure, or kidney inflammation or blockage, potassium may accumulate in your blood. In addition to elevated potassium levels, symptoms such as swelling, urination changes, high blood pressure, fatigue, lower back pain or persistent nausea or vomiting may also arise if you have kidney damage or disease. Seek immediate medical care if you develop any symptoms of kidney disease. In the absence of appropriate medical care, persistently high potassium levels may cause life-threatening medical complications.
Alcohol or Drug Abuse
Excessive alcohol consumption or drug abuse may cause rhabdomyolysis -- a condition in which your muscle fibers break down and release high levels of potassium in your blood. If you struggle with alcohol or drug addiction, seek care from a health care professional as soon as possible.
Tissue Injuries
Tissue injuries resulting from trauma, burns, surgery or tumors may stimulate the release of potassium from your cells into your bloodstream. Unusual bleeding along your digestive tract and blood disorders that cause your blood cells to rupture may also raise your blood potassium levels. Once the tissue injury heals, your potassium levels typically return to normal.
Potassium Overdose
If you need to take potassium supplements, the recommended daily intake of this nutrient is 2,000 mg. Taking doses of potassium that exceed this recommended limit may significantly elevate your blood potassium levels. Additionally, long-term treatment with appropriate doses of potassium may cause this nutrient to accumulate in your body. If your doctor determines that your potassium levels are too high, he will likely recommend ending treatment with potassium supplements.
Medication Use
Your blood levels of potassium may rise if you are taking certain types of medications. Medications that may cause an increase in potassium levels include heparin, beta-blockers, trimethoprimand sulfamethoxazole, cyclosporine, ACE inhibitors and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Be sure to make your physician aware of all medications you are currently taking before she measures your blood potassium levels.
