Hyperkalemia: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Potassium supports nerve and muscle function, and the kidneys regulate its concentration. A damaged blood sample can sometimes produce a falsely elevated result.

Related reading: Understanding electrolyte balance.

There may be no symptoms. Muscle weakness, nausea or palpitations can occur; severe cases may cause dangerous arrhythmias or paralysis.

Causes include reduced kidney excretion, certain medicines and potassium shifts out of cells during metabolic illness. Supplements and potassium-containing salt substitutes may contribute.

Kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes and medicines affecting potassium excretion increase risk. Several factors often coexist rather than a single dietary cause.

Assessment reviews the blood result, medicines, kidney function and ECG. Repeat testing may check sample error without delaying urgent treatment. A normal ECG does not exclude dangerous hyperkalemia.

Emergency care may protect the heart, temporarily shift potassium into cells and remove it from the body, sometimes through dialysis. Other cases require individualized cause, medicine and dietary management.

Severe elevation can lead to arrhythmias or cardiac arrest. Lack of symptoms does not establish safety, and monitoring may remain necessary after initial correction.

Review supplements and salt substitutes with your team and attend follow-up tests. Do not independently stop heart or kidney medicines or exclude entire food groups.