Hyperkalemia
What is hyperkalemia?
Hyperkalemia is the medical term for high serum potassium levels. This is often caused by kidney disease, high dietary potassium intake, increased cell breakdown, insulin insufficiency, and use of certain medications (eg, NSAIDs, beta-blockers). Rapid elevations in potassium or very high potassium levels may produce symptoms such as muscle weakness, paralysis, cardiac arrhythmias, and even death. Hyperkalemia that does not respond to medical therapy may require dialysis.
Due to the importance of this condition, it is critical that patients understand its causes, symptoms, and treatment. By the end of this article, you will have the answers to these essential questions
• What causes hyperkalemia?
• How common is hyperkalemia?
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Mild hyperkalemia may not produce any symptoms or signs. More significant elevations in potassium may lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, and cardiac conduction abnormalities. Cardiac arrhythmias may include atrial fibrillation or more serious ventricular arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. These latter arrhythmias can be fatal.
How is hyperkalemia diagnosed?
The diagnosis of hyperkalemia may be suggested based on symptoms and physical examination – but these are typically none specific. Definitive diagnosis is always made with laboratory confirmation of your serum potassium level.
Other commonly ordered blood tests include a CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel), CBC (complete blood cell count), and thyroid function (TSH, free T4). Your doctor will also usually screen for diabetes. If you recently had trauma or performed vigorous exercise, they may obtain a creatine phosphokinase (CPK).
If you potassium is significantly elevated, you doctor will likely order an EKG (electrocardiogram) to evaluate the electrical activity of your heart.
How is hyperkalemia