High Potassium in Blood Causes

High potassium in blood or hyperkalemia is a condition that occurs when the level of potassium is higher than normal. Potassium is required by the body for functioning of the nerve and muscle cells that including of the heart. It sends electric signals in the nervous system and helps regulate the electrical rhythm of the heart. It also prevents the cells from dehydration. However, high potassium in blood can lead to death, if not treated soon. There are many high potassium in blood causes. If you are wondering what are the causes of high potassium in blood that you should be aware of, then read on.

Causes of Hyperkalemia
High potassium in blood causes include many different things like adrenal dysfunction, tissue trauma, certain medications, etc. We shall discuss some of the high potassium levels in blood causes in the following paragraphs.

Kidney Damage
Kidney disorders or kidney damage is one of the main causes of high potassium in blood. Kidneys filter out potassium from blood. If the kidney functions are hampered, it will lead to high potassium levels in blood. There are different kidney diseases that lead to kidney damage and loss of kidney function. These include lupus nephritis, renal failure, etc.

Diabetes
Second most common of the high potassium in blood causes includes diabetes. Those with type 1 diabetes are susceptible to high potassium levels in blood. This is due to reduced ability of the kidneys to filter out potassium. Lack of insulin also causes the potassium from cells to enter the blood and lead to high potassium levels.

Adrenal Damage
Adrenal glands are present on the kidney's and secret the adrenal hormone, aldosterone. The aldosterone is responsible for excretion of potassium from kidney's through urine. Problem with adrenal glands, is thus, one of the causes of high potassium levels in the body. Addison's disease is one of the common causes that leads to adrenal dysfunction. Aldosterone deficiency and reduced levels of blood thinner heparin also may lead to high potassium levels. Some forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia and type IV renal tubular acidosis are also causes of high potassium in blood.

Medications
There are various medications that may interfere with the normal expulsion of potassium from urine. These medications include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, potassium sparing diuretics, antibiotic trimethoprim, calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressants, NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, antiparasitic drugs, etc. Excessive intake or intoxication with salt substitute will lead to high levels of potassium.

Trauma
The excessive release of potassium from within the cells is also one of the high potassium levels in blood causes. This may occur during a massive blood transfusion process or hemolysis. Paralyzing agents like succinylcholine, beta-blocker therapy, low insulin levels, acidosis, etc. cause shift or transport of potassium out of the cells. Other high potassium in blood causes include rhabdomyolysis (break down of muscle cells), rapid tissue necrosis, or severe burn injuries.

Pseudohyperkalemia
The rise in amount of potassium due to excessive leakage of potassium from the blood cells that damaged during or after the blood is drawn is called pseudohyperkalemia. This occurs if hemolysis occurs during venipuncture, or there is excessive tourniquet time a delay in processing the blood sample.

Hyperkalemia Symptoms
The above were a few of the high potassium in blood causes. Let us now learn about the high potassium in blood symptoms to help one recognize the possible signs. There are no symptoms seen, until and unless there is a significant increase in potassium levels. The high potassium symptoms may include muscle weakness, diarrhea, chest pain, heart palpitations, etc. One may find it difficult to move their limbs or digits due to mild paralysis. Arrhythmia is seen when high potassium levels continue to a long time.

Hyperkalemia Treatment
High potassium levels in blood are usually monitored, when a patient is administered drugs that causes elevated levels. The high potassium in blood treatment depends on the underlying cause. The doctor may prescribe loop diuretics that are also known as water pills. They help in decreasing blood potassium levels by making one urinate more. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is given to lower blood potassium levels by binding with the potassium in stomach or guts. Bicarbonate, calcium and insulin medications are injected into the body to lower the levels of potassium in blood. In case of emergency, one may be advised hemodialysis, especially in cases of kidney failure.

One may even be asked to begin with a high potassium diet. This diet includes increase in fresh fruits and vegetables like oranges, orange juice, leafy vegetables, potatoes, etc.

This was all about high potassium in blood causes. If one is suffering from any of the above mentioned conditions, it is very important to monitor their potassium levels in the body. One should remain alert about the signs of high potassium and seek medical help immediately. Hope the above paragraphs have helped you understand some of the causes of high potassium in blood.