Although potassium is a mineral your body needs every day, getting too much of this nutrient can be dangerous to your health. Potassium poisoning -- more commonly referred to as potassium toxicity or hyperkalemia -- occurs when your blood potassium levels exceed 6 mEq/L. High potassium levels may arise due to the use of certain medications, such as potassium supplement, or the presence of certain health conditions, such as kidney failure. Seek care from a medical professional if you exhibit symptoms of potassium poisoning. Without prompt and appropriate treatment, potassium poisoning may be life-threatening.
Severe Muscle Weakness
Your ability to engage your muscles during physical activities is controlled in part by the amount of potassium available to your muscles. High levels of potassium may overwhelm your muscles, leading to difficulty with muscle contraction. For this reason, you may experience severe muscle weakness due to potassium poisoning. In certain cases, temporary paralysis may arise, which results in the inability to voluntary move certain muscles in your body. Severe muscle weakness and paralysis can be debilitating and may make it difficult for you to move around on your own accord.
Numbness or Tingling
Unusually high levels of potassium in your blood may cause nerve damage. Initially, you may experience sensations of tingling or numbness in your toes and fingers. These unusual body sensations may progressively move into your feet, legs, hands and arms. Uncomfortable numbness or tingling may interfere with your ability to perform certain physical activities, such as standing or grasping an item in your hand.
Abnormal Heart Rate
Your heart, like other muscles in your body, is partially regulated by the amount of potassium in your blood. When your blood potassium levels are too high, your heart can begin to beat at an abnormal rate. A heart rate irregularity may increase your risk of experience a life-threatening cardiac arrest -- a condition in which your heart stops beating.
Stomach Irritation
Excessively high levels of potassium may cause moderate to severe stomach irritation. You may feel nauseated or begin to vomit, which can result in a diminished appetite.
Breathing Problems
The muscles that control your ability to inhale and exhale may also have difficulty functioning normally due to potassium poisoning. Breathing problems, including shortness of breath and wheezing, may arise. Seek prompt care from an emergency medical provider if you experience difficulty breathing.
