Potassium is an electrolyte, meaning it carries an electrical charge in your body. This essential nutrient is in a variety of foods, including bananas, spinach and potatoes. Normal levels of potassium range between 3.7 and 5.2 milliequivalents per liter. If you have increased levels of potassium in your blood, higher than 5.2 mEq/L and do not eat vast amounts of potassium-rich food, you could have an underlying medical condition.
Acidosis
High potassium levels can indicate acidosis, a condition in which your blood and other bodily fluids become too acidic. Acidosis can have many causes, including a buildup of carbon dioxide spurred by chronic respiratory diseases. Treatment for respiratory acidosis includes administration of oxygen as well as medications to clear the airways, leading to the excretion of carbon dioxide and the eventual resolution of electrolyte levels. After treatment of the immediate danger associated with breathing difficulties, potassium levels may begin to fall back into the normal range.
Addison's Disease
The under-functioning of the adrenal glands can lead to increased potassium levels. The adrenal glands are small organs that produce hormones, control glucose usage and maintain sodium and potassium levels. Addison's disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough androgens, estrogen and cortisol. The adrenals also do not make enough mineralocorticoid when you have Addison's disease; this is the hormone that regulates potassium levels. Because you are lacking sufficient mineralcorticoid, your body holds on to more potassium than it needs, making your levels rise. Treatment for Addison's disease includes synthetic hormones that you take on a daily basis throughout your life.
Diabetes
Higher-than-normal levels of potassium in your bloodstream can indicate diabetes. The complications that accompany diabetes include another type of acidosis called diabetic ketoacidosis. This condition occurs when a type 1 diabetic has low insulin levels combined with high cortisol and other hormones. Alcohol abuse can also play a role in diabetic ketoacidosis. Like other forms of acidosis, your blood becomes too acidic, which wreaks havoc on your fluids levels and affects your potassium stores. Diabetic ketoacidosis is treated with intravenous insulin and fluids to restore your body's pH and electrolyte balance. Diabetic kidney disease can also be a factor in diabetics who have increased potassium levels; it may be treated by limiting your dietary potassium intake.
Kidney Disease
High potassium levels can be an indicator of chronic kidney disease, even among non-diabetics. The primary function of your kidneys is to remove toxins from your body to be excreted in your urine. The kidneys also excrete potassium to keep your levels stable. When your kidneys are not functioning effectively, they cannot remove excess potassium from your blood.
References
- Lab Tests Online; Potassium: The Test; April 2008
- Diabetes Self-Management; The Power of Potassium; Amy Campbell; April 2007
- "American Family Physician"; Diabetic Ketoacidosis; David E. Trachtenbarg; May 2005
- Medline Plus; Respiratory Acidosis; David C. Dugdale, III; August 2009
- Medline Plus; Addison's Disease; Ari S. Eckman; November 2009
- MedlinePlus; Hyperkalemia; David C. Dugdale; November 2009
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