Medical professionals use the term hyperkalemia to describe high levels of potassium in the blood. Because potassium plays a role in nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction and other critical functions, high potassium levels increase the risk for serious health complications. Severe cases of hyperkalemia require immediate treatment to prevent life-threatening consequences.
Identification
A basic metabolic panel helps doctors determine the amount of potassium in the blood. This blood test also checks the levels of sodium, calcium, glucose, chloride, bicarbonate, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. If these levels exceed the normal range for serum potassium, and a patient has symptoms of high potassium levels, a doctor diagnoses hyperkalemia. UT Southwestern Medical Center reports that normal blood potassium levels range from 3.6 to 5.0 mEq/L (milliequivalent per liter).
Significance
The body needs potassium to build proteins, metabolize carbohydrates, build muscle and regulate acid-base balance. Since potassium also plays a role in muscle contraction, high potassium levels affect the rhythm and function of the heart muscle. Signs of hyperkalemia include fatigue, weakness, irregular heartbeat, paralysis, tingling or numbness, and difficulty breathing. Without treatment, cardiac arrest and death can occur.
Causes
Causes of high potassium levels include Addison's disease, chronic kidney failure, heavy drug use, type 1 diabetes, destruction of red blood cells, alcoholism, acute kidney failure and excessive intake of potassium supplements. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which treat high blood pressure, may also increase the amount of potassium in the blood.
Treatment
Doctors use several drugs to reduce potassium levels and reduce the risks associated with hyperkalemia. Insulin, beta agonists and sodium bicarbonate shift excess potassium from the blood to inside the cells, reducing blood potassium levels. Diuretics cause the kidneys to excrete more potassium in the urine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Examples of diuretics include furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide and bumetanide. Binding resins allow the exchange of sodium and potassium in the digestive system, which also reduces the amount of potassium in the blood.
Prevention/Solution
People with an increased risk of hyperkalemia must take special precautions to avoid increased potassium levels. Those with chronic kidney disease follow the renal diet, which restricts the amount of potassium consumed each day. This diet limits the consumption of high-potassium foods such as bananas, oranges, sweet potatoes, potatoes and tomatoes. People with chronic diseases also have their potassium levels checked at regular intervals to prevent potassium levels from getting critically high. While hyperkalemia rarely develops due to the intake of high amounts of potassium, restricting potassium intake may prevent this condition. Patients should avoid potato chips, nuts, dried peas, soy milk, yogurt, soy nuts, dried beans, bran buds, artichokes, parsnips, pumpkin and spinach.
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