Potassium is an essential electrolyte that is needed for normal function of the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves and digestive system, according to the National Institutes of Health. Most people maintain a healthy balance of potassium in their system through proper nutrition and healthy kidneys. However, the effects of excess potassium in the body can be devastating.
Causes of Excessive Potassium
Overuse of potassium supplements can cause excess potassium to build up in the body. When the kidneys cannot keep up with the amount of potassium being ingested, hyperkalemia or high blood levels of potassium result. Acute or chronic kidney failure can also cause hyperkalemia. A disease called hypoaldosteronism is a rare cause of excess potassium in the blood. Diabetic ketoacidosis, burns and hemolysis, or the breakdown of red blood cells in the body are other reasons for hyperkalemia.
Cardiac Arrhythmias
Excessive potassium in the blood is usually asymptomatic until cardiac toxicity occurs, according to the Merck Manual Online Library. When severe cardiac toxicity exists, the heart rhythm can deteriorate into ventricular fibrillation, a chaotic, nonproductive rhythm of the ventricles. If ventricular fibrillation is not treated immediately, it will lead to cardiac arrest. Hyperkalemia can also result in asystole, or the cessation of any heart beat.
Neuromuscular Signs
Occasionally flaccid paralysis occurs in hyperkalemia. Often excessive potassium produces a feeling of generalized weakness in the arms and legs. Nausea often accompanies high levels of potassium in the blood.
Treatment
Hyperkalemia is a medical emergency and needs to be treated in the emergency room if it occurs. Treatment may consist of intravenous fluid hydration, dialysis, intravenous calcium, glucose, insulin and sodium bicarbonate in order to reverse the high potassium and its effects.
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