Potassium is a mineral that helps regulate the functioning of the heart, nerve and muscle cells. The body stores potassium in cells to help keep a continuous level in the blood all the time. To maintain the correct amount of potassium in the blood, the body gets rid of excess amounts by excreting it in urine, sweat or in the digestive tract. Some conditions may cause an increased amount of potassium to remain in the blood. A high level of potassium in the blood is also referred to as hyperkalemia.
Decrease in Excretion through Urine
Becasue the body naturally regulates the blood potassium level by excreting excessive amounts in the urine, a disruption in this system may cause and increase in potassium levels. Chronic or acute kidney failure may cause the hyperkalemia. As the kidneys fail, they lose the ability to filter correctly and do not produce urine in adequate amounts. This is the most common reason for hyperkalemia, according to the Mayo Clinic. The hormone aldosterone is responsible for regulating the potassium excretion. A condition called Addison's disease causes a decrease in aldosterone, thereby causing an increase in potassium in the blood. Some medications, such as diuretics, function to help the kidneys reserve potassium in the body and may lead to too much potassium reserved. Other medicines, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ACE inhibitors and medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection may cause the kidneys to decrease the excretion of potassium from the body.
Increased Potassium Consumption
Eating foods or taking supplements containing potassium can increase the levels in the blood. Food and drinks rich in potassium include beans, potatoes, carrot juice and prune juice. Individuals who are unable to eat and receive intravenous nutrition have an increased risk of having a high potassium intake.
Release of Potassium
The body stores extra potassium in cells until needed in the blood. Some conditions cause the cells to release the stored potassium at a greater rate than necessary and cause the blood levels of potassium to rise. Severe injuries to the body, such as a burn or a crushing injury that damage muscle tissue may cause the release of the potassium. Other conditions include surgery, diabetes and chemotherapy. Vigorous exercises may cause the muscle tissue to release the potassium as well.
