Consuming extremely high levels of potassium can be dangerous. Having too much potassium in the blood is called hyperkalemia. Levels of potassium between 3.6 and 4.8 mEq/L are normal, and those above 6 mEq/L are dangerously high, according to the Mayo Clinic. Kidney failure is one of the most common causes of hyperkalemia, though other conditions can also increase your risk for this condition.
Hyperkalemia Risks
Hyperkalemia can cause abnormal heart rhythms and heart attack if not treated. If you are diabetic, have Addison's disease, suffer from alcoholism, take ACE inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics, or have severe burns or other injuries, you are more at risk for developing hyperkalemia. Taking excessive doses of supplements, especially doses above 18 g per day, can also cause hyperkalemia.
Hyperkalemia Symptoms
Doctors use blood tests and ECGs to diagnose hyperkalemia. Many people who have extremely high levels of potassium in the blood experience no symptoms. However, sometimes people suffering from this condition experience nausea, an irregular heartbeat or a slow or weak pulse, loss of consciousness, or weakness.
Treatment
Treatment usually takes place in the hospital since patients require close monitoring due to the risk of heart complications. Possible treatments include sodium bicarbonate, intravenous calcium, intravenous glucose and insulin, diuretics, cation-exchange resin medications, and dialysis. These medications and procedures help to counter the effects of the excess potassium and lower the level of potassium in the body.
Potassium Intake Recommendations
Most healthy people don't have to worry about excessive potassium intake, since the kidneys usually rid your body of any extra potassium you consume. Many Americans do not consume enough of this mineral, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. The adequate intake set for potassium for adults is 4.7 g per day. Aim to consume this amount of potassium through foods, rather than supplements, to further reduce your risk for hyperkalemia.
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