Depending on your age and health status, your body needs between 400 and 5,100 mg of potassium each day, according to Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. If your blood potassium levels rise above 6.0 milliequivalents per liter or mEq/L, your doctor may diagnose you with high potassium -- a condition also referred to as hyperkalemia. High potassium may cause heart rate irregularities, nausea or weakness. Discuss any questions you have about why your potassium levels are too high with your medical provider to receive additional guidance and care.
Kidney Failure
The most common cause of elevated potassium levels is kidney failure. Normally, your kidneys filter excess potassium out of your bloodstream. If your kidneys are damaged due to health conditions such as acute or chronic kidney failure, obstructive uropathy or glomerulonephritis, they won't be able to properly filter toxins or waste products from your bloodstream. Poor kidney function may also occur if you undergo a kidney transplant and your body rejects your new organ. Without properly functioning kidneys, potassium -- among other waste products -- will accumulate in your body.
Addison's Disease
A hormone called aldosterone helps regulate how much potassium and sodium your kidneys remove from your bloodstream. If you have abnormally high levels of this hormone -- a medical condition called Addison's disease -- your body will retain unusually high levels of potassium. Other symptoms of Addison's disease include chronic diarrhea, skin discoloration, weakness, fatigue, diminished appetite, oral lesions and unintended weight loss.
Tissue Injury
Potassium is present in every cell in your body. If any of your cells break open following trauma or injury, they release potassium into the fluid surrounding your cells. Extensive tissue damage caused by gastrointestinal bleeding, surgery, traumatic injury, tumors, muscle fiber breakdown or burns may cause a spike in your potassium levels.
Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes may cause high levels of acid to accumulate in your blood. This condition, called acidosis, may result in a rise in your blood potassium levels.
Medication Or Supplement Use
Certain medications may negatively affect the normal function of your kidneys, which can prevent the release of potassium from your body. Such medications include potassium-sparing diuretics and ACE inhibitors. In addition, excessive use of potassium supplements may also raise your blood levels of this mineral.
Excessive Dietary Consumption
Consuming too much potassium as part of your daily diet may significantly elevate your potassium levels. Potassium-rich foods include oranges, potatoes, bananas, tomatoes, plums and raisins. In addition, high protein diets or the excessive use of salt substitutes may also increase your potassium levels.
References
- PubMed Health; Hyperkalemia; Dr. David C. Dugdale, III; November 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Hyperkalemia; Steven D. Ehrlich; February 2010;
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; Potassium; Dr. Victoria J. Drake; December 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Hyperkalemia (High Potassium); December 2009
- MedlinePlus; Addison's Disease; Dr. Ari S. Eckman; November 2009
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