Potassium is an essential mineral that is obtained through eating a healthy diet with a variety of foods including fruits and vegetables. Potassium is responsible for the proper functioning of all cells, tissues and organs in the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, potassium is crucial to heart function and plays a key role in skeletal and smooth muscle contraction, making it important for normal digestive and muscular function.
Risks of High Potassium Levels
A high potassium level in your blood is called hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is dangerous and, in severe cases, can be fatal. A normal potassium level is 3.5 to 5 mEq. When potassium exceeds 5 mEq in the blood, you are risk for cardiac complications. Elevated potassium level can cause an irregular heart beat known as arrhythmias, or a heart attack. Heart attacks can lead to cardiac arrest, meaning your heart has stopped beating.
Signs and Symptoms of High Potassium Levels
There are only a few symptoms of a high potassium level. The most common symptom of a high potassium level is an abnormal or irregular heart beat. A weakened or slow pulse could also be a symptom. If you experience either of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. Nausea is a common symptom of many different conditions, including high potassium level.
Causes of High Potassium
Potassium levels rise in the blood from an increase in total body potassium or when potassium is released from cells due to an injury. Injuries that would cause potassium to be released from cells include gastrointestional bleeding, burns, surgery, tumors or trauma. Healthy kidneys secrete a hormone call aldosterone, which regulates potassium and sodium. When excess potassium is present in the body, healthy kidneys remove the mineral though urine. Diseased or damaged kidneys with declining function may not be able to remove enough potassium leading to the build up of potassium in the blood. Addison's disease decreases the production of the potassium-regulating hormone aldosterone, which cause excess potassium to remain in the body.
Preventing High Potassium Levels
If you have a history of hyperkalemia or have any of the conditions discussed, limiting your potassium intake will help you prevent build up in the blood. Potassium is found in most foods, but high sources that should be limited include oranges, orange juice, bananas, melon, kiwi, mangoes, papaya, potatoes, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, beans and lentils, dairy products and chocolate. Potassium supplements or medications that can increase potassium levels may need to be adjusted. Talk to a doctor about managing your potassium level.
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