Your body requires adequate amounts of potassium to keep your nerves, muscles and cells functioning normally. However, it is possible for you to have too much potassium in your bloodstream. Your medical provider may diagnose you with hyperkalemia -- a condition characterized by high potassium levels -- if your blood levels of this mineral are in excess of 6.0 mEq/L.
Causes
Your kidneys normally act as filters to remove toxins and excess waste products, such as potassium, from your bloodstream. Damaged or diseased kidneys are typically unable to work properly, and may lead to the accumulation of potassium in the body. The filtration process performed by your kidneys is regulated by a hormone called aldosterone. Certain diseases, such as Addison's disease, prevent your body from producing sufficient levels of aldosterone. For this reason, such conditions may cause a spike in your blood potassium levels. Additional causes of high potassium levels include diabetes, severe tissue injury or burns, alcoholism and the use of ACE inhibitors. You may also elevate your blood levels of this mineral by taking too many potassium supplements.
Symptoms
If your blood has too much potassium, your nerves and muscles may malfunction. Consequently, symptoms associated with hyperkalemia include unusual body sensations, such as numbness and tingling, weakness, fatigue, heart rate irregularities and difficulty breathing. You may also experience nausea, vomiting or appetite loss. Seek prompt care from your medical provider if you develop any of these symptoms to ensure you receive appropriate care.
Complications
In severe cases, hyperkalemia may cause temporary paralysis, a condition in which you lose voluntary control over your muscles. Temporary paralysis can severely limit your ability to move about normally without assistance. Abnormal heart rate changes cause by elevated potassium levels may induce cardiac arrest -- a life-threatening complication in which your heart stops beating.
Treatment
If you have hyperkalemia, the primary goal of your doctor is to lower your potassium levels. To do this, she may administer one of a number of medications, including diuretics, sodium bicarbonate or intravenous calcium, glucose or insulin. She may also recommend dialysis to reduce the levels of potassium throughout your body, especially if your kidneys aren't functioning properly. In the long-term, your doctor may recommend maintaining a low-potassium diet and ending treatment with potassium supplements.
