Hyperkalemia Signs

Potassium is an essential mineral for the body that helps in functioning of the nerve and muscle cells. These cells include the cells of the heart. Although an essential mineral, too much of potassium is not a good health sign. Potassium is processed by the kidneys and the level is maintained. However, if there is more potassium than what can be processed by the kidney, it leads to a number of health complications. The high levels of potassium in the body is called hyperkalemia or high potassium disorder. Under normal conditions, potassium levels in blood is about 3.6 to 4.8 mEq/L. When one develops hyperkalemia signs and symptoms, the level of potassium in blood may be higher than 5.1 to 7 mEq/L.

Causes of Hyperkalemia

Before we have a look at the hyperkalemia signs and symptoms, let us understand the causes. Most of the time, hyperkalemia is caused due to kidney problems. These problems include acute kidney failure or chronic kidney failure. Kidneys are damaged due to various conditions like the presence of kidney stones, renal failure, etc. Other kidney diseases include:

• Glomerulonephritis
• Obstructive uropathy
• Kidney transplant rejection

Apart from kidney, there are other reasons that lead to hyperkalemia symptoms. These hyperkalemia causes include:

• Addison's disease (causing reduction in aldosterone hormone that helps in removal of potassium and sodium)
• Burn injuries (causing tissues to release potassium in blood)
• Hemolytic conditions causing release of potassium
• Drugs, alcoholism, infections, even coma causing rhabdomyolysis
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Traumatic injury
• Tumors
• Surgery

In some cases, medications like potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, etc. causes the increase of potassium in the body. Those with type 1 diabetesmay develop hyperkalemia signs. They lack insulin in blood that leads to high blood sugar levels and diabetic ketoacidosis. This causes potassium to move out of the cells and enter the blood stream. Thus, leading to high potassium levels in the body.

Hyperkalemia Signs and Symptoms

The hyperkalemia symptoms are generally very vague and not many patients realize these symptoms point towards hyperkalemia. However, patients may experience certain hyperkalemia signs and symptoms like:

• Nausea
• Malaise
• Muscle weakness
• Palpitations
• Mild hyperventilation
• Slow or absent pulse
• Irregular heartbeat
• Breathing problems
• Tingling sensation
• Paralysis

The hyperkalemia signs and symptoms are spotted only when the doctor carries out a blood test. These blood test are done to check other medical problems like cardiac arrhythmia and in some cases sudden death.

Hyperkalemia Signs Treatment

Hyperkalemia is diagnosed with the help of blood tests and by carrying out an ECG. Hyperkalemia treatment is generally long-term or short-term depending on the causes. If hyperkalemia signs are mild and are not related to any kidney or other medical complications, one may be advised to undergo dietary modification. One needs to reduce the intake of potatoes, bananas, prunes and raisins. In case of severe hyperkalemia, one may be given diuretics to excrete potassium from the system. Very severe cases require intravenous doses of insulin, glucose and calcium. This helps in the absorption of potassium from the blood. This in turn protects the heart and other muscles from damage from excess potassium. If hyperkalemia arises due to kidney disorders, he/she may need dialysis to treat the condition.

Hyperkalemia needs to be prevented from recurring. One needs to get blood tests done regularly, if they are on medications that increase the potassium levels. Also, a well-balanced diet containing not too low or not too high potassium rich foods needs to be taken. People with hyperkalemia should drink lots of fluids to remain hydrated and flush out excess potassium from the body.

Hyperkalemia signs are caused by a number of health complications like kidney diseases as well as type 1 diabetes. If one develops these conditions, it is necessary they carry out regular blood work to keep an eye on the potassium levels in blood. Lifestyle changes will help you maintain the levels of potassium and other essential minerals in the body. For more information on dietary intake and regulation of potassium levels in blood, speak to your health care provider.