Hyperkalemia occurs when there are high levels of potassium in the bloodstream. Potassium plays a role in digestion, homeostasis and metabolism. It also regulates muscle tissue. Hyperkalemia can be caused by too much total potassium in the body or too much potassium released from the cells in the bloodstream. Mild hyperkalemia can be treated to prevent worsening. Severe hyperkalemia can lead to cardiac arrest or death.
Causes
It is the kidneys' function to rid the body of excess potassium. Hyperkalemia is usually caused, therefore, by disorders that limit the organs' ability to excrete potassium. Disorders such as kidney failure, lupus nephritis, glomerulonephritis and obstructive uropathy can lead to hyperkalemia. If you don't have enough aldosterone, a hormone that regulates the removal of potassium and sodium from the kidneys, you may develop the condition. Likewise, tissue trauma can lead to hyperkalemia because the cells release much-needed potassium. Trauma includes surgery, burns, gastrointestinal bleeding and tumors.
Alternate Causes/Symptoms
Hyperkalemia can also be caused if you have poor kidney function and eat foods with salt substitutes. These products often contain potassium. Certain kidney-related medications, such as spironolactone, triamterene or amiloride, can lead to the condition, as well. Hyperkalemia often has no symptoms. However, you may experience nausea, irregular heartbeat or a weak, slow or absent pulse.
Tests
Blood is taken to determine if you have huyperkalemia. The lab determines how much potassium is in the blood. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is performed if the condition is suspected. The test may show changes that are typical for moderate to severe cases, such as dangerous arrhythmias. A heart block can become completely blocked. The heartbeat may be slower than normal and there may be a ventricular fibrillation. Your pulse may also be irregular or slow.
Treatment
The treatment plan depends on the cause of your hyperkalemia, the types of symptoms, changes on the ECG and your health status. People with mild hyperkalemia do not usually have to be hospitalized if their health is otherwise normal and their ECG comes back fine. Those with severe hyperkalemia may need emergency care if there are changes in the ECG. It often results in a stay in the intensive care unit under heart monitoring. Doctors usually recommend a diet with limited potassium, IV administration of insulin and glucose to encourage the movement of potassium, IV administration of calcium to protect the muscles and heart, drugs to stimulate beta-2 adrenergic receptors to send potassium back to cells, and dialysis if other options have failed or if kidney failure is imminent.
Warnings
There are several conditions that can arise as a result of hyperkalemia, including arrhythmias, changes in neuromuscular control and cardiac arrest. You should go to the emergency room if your breathing changes, you experience weakness or nausea, your heartbeat is weak or you lose consciousness.
Tags: cardiac arrest, heartbeat weak, kidney failure, lead hyperkalemia, much potassium