Hyperkalemia indicates elevated levels of potassium in the blood. While potassium serves many important functions, excess levels can lead to serious complications. This acute condition requires immediate medical intervention and certain long-term treatments in those prone to developing it.

Causes and Symptoms

You increase your risk of this condition if you have any sort of kidney disease, take medications that can raise potassium levels, have conditions that interfere with the production of the hormone aldosterone, such as Addison's disease, acidosis or experience any tissue injuries which can cause potassium to leak out of cells. Symptoms include an irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness and a slow or weak pulse.

Acute Treatment

Acute treatments work to lower levels and shield the body from the negative effects of hyperkalemia. You might receive medications to help remove potassium from the gastrointestinal tract, dialysis to lower levels, diuretics, intravenous calcium, glucose and/ or insulin to treat symptoms or sodium bicarbonate to relieve acidosis-related hyperkalemia.

Changing Medications

Certain medications can raise potassium levels. If you suffer hyperkalemia, you might need to change or stop taking certain medications.

Long-Term Treatment

If you have conditions that put you at risk for this condition or if you have mild elevation, you need to do certain things to manage your potassium levels. You need to restrict your potassium intake and reduce or stop any potassium supplement you might be using. Ask your doctor for guidance on diet. If have kidney failure, you might require diuretic medications.

Other Suggestions

Be wary of salt substitutes and foods that brand themselves as low-sodium options to standard foods; they contain potassium. You should avoid these foods completely if you have kidney failure.

Source:

National Library of Medicine

Emedicinehealth.com