The mineral potassium plays a vital role in maintaining normal blood pressure, maintaining fluid balance, and supporting muscle and nerve function. It is an essential mineral for the proper function of the body. It is normal for blood potassium levels to range between 3.5 and 5.0 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Hyperkalemia, however, can occur when the potassium level becomes too high. A high level of potassium in the body can have serious consequences for the heart and other organs, even posing a life-threatening threat.
There are many possible causes of hyperkalemia, such as:
A person with kidney disease may not be able to remove enough potassium from the blood, leading to potassium accumulation in the body. The kidneys filter excess potassium from the blood and excrete it in the urine.
Some medications affect how the kidneys handle potassium, or increase the amount of potassium in the body. Blood pressure medications (such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and potassium-sparing diuretics) are among them, as are antibiotics (like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and pentamidine), anti-inflammatory drugs (such as naproxen and ibuprofen), and supplements (like potassium chloride and salt substitutes).
The potassium level in the blood can also be raised if you eat too many potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, avocados, potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, beans, nuts, and dairy products. A person who is taking medications that affect potassium balance or whose kidneys are not functioning properly is more likely to suffer from this.
Diabetes, dehydration, burns, trauma, infections, adrenal insufficiency, acidosis, and hemolysis (red blood cell breakdown) can also cause hyperkalemia.
In some cases, hyperkalemia does not cause any symptoms, or the symptoms are mild and nonspecific. In addition to irregular heartbeats, chest pain, shortness of breath, and cardiac arrest, potassium can also affect the electrical activity of the heart as the level rises. In addition to weakness, numbness, tingling, paralysis, and difficulty breathing, hyperkalemia can also affect the muscles and nerves.
A blood test can also be used to check for other electrolytes, such as sodium, calcium, and magnesium, as well as kidney function and acid-base balance, which can help diagnose hyperkalemia. To check for changes in the heart rhythm caused by hyperkalemia, it may be necessary to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG).
It depends on the severity of the condition, the underlying cause, and any symptoms or complications that are present that determine how hyperkalemia should be treated. The main goals of treatment are to lower the potassium level in the blood, stabilize the heart rhythm, and prevent further potassium accumulation. Some of the possible treatments include:
If hyperkalemia is severe or causing life-threatening symptoms, such as cardiac arrest, immediate treatment is required to restore normal heart function and prevent further damage. Calcium, sodium bicarbonate, insulin, glucose, albuterol, or dialysis may be administered intravenously.
Medications: Some medications can lower the blood potassium level by increasing its excretion in the urine, binding it in the gut, or shifting it into the cells. The loop diuretics (such as furosemide), sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate), patiromer (Veltassa), sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (Lokelma), and beta-agonists (such as albuterol) are some of these drugs.
A low-potassium diet can help prevent hyperkalemia from recurring or worsening. This means limiting or avoiding foods that are high in potassium, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, dairy products, and salt substitutes. Dietitians can help individuals choose a diet that meets their nutritional needs and preferences.
It may be necessary to treat the underlying condition of hyperkalemia with other treatments, such as kidney disease, diabetes, infection, or adrenal insufficiency, depending on the cause of hyperkalemia. In addition to adjusting medication doses or types, managing blood sugar levels, treating infections, or replacing hormones, this may involve adjusting the medication.
Hyperkalemia can be prevented by following these tips:
If the person has risk factors for hyperkalemia, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or taking certain medications, they should have their potassium level checked regularly and follow the doctor's advice.
Taking the prescribed medications as prescribed: People should take their medications as prescribed without consulting their doctor before stopping, starting, or changing them. Additionally, they should inform their doctor if they are taking any other medications, supplements, or herbal remedies, as some of them may interfere with potassium balance.
Consume a low-potassium diet: The person should follow a diet that is low in potassium, and avoid foods that are high in potassium. They should also read the labels of packaged foods and beverages and avoid those that contain potassium chloride or salt substitutes.
Keep hydrated: The person should drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration, which can worsen hyperkalemia. However, they should not drink too much water, as this can dilute the electrolytes and cause other problems. In addition, alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate the body and negatively affect the kidneys.
If a person experiences any of the symptoms of hyperkalemia, such as an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, numbness, tingling, or paralysis, they should seek medical attention. If left untreated, hyperkalemia can result in death.
