Risk Factors of High Potassium

High potassium levels in your bloodstream is called hyperkalemia. According to MedlinePlus, hyperkalemia can be from an overall increased level of potassium in your body or too much potassium being released from your cells to your bloodstream. There are several risk factors of high potassium.

Kidney Disorders

• Kidney disorders that may cause high potassium include acute kidney failure, chronic kidney failure, glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney structures), lupus nephritis, obstructive uropathy and rejection of a kidney transplant.

Tissue Trauma

• Tissue trauma can also cause your cells to release an excessive amount of potassium. These include burns; gastrointestinal bleeding; surgery; disorders that result in the bursting of blood cells; traumatic injury; tumors; and rhabdomyolysis (a breakdown of muscle fibers) from alcoholism, drugs, coma or some infections.

Diabetes

• Insulin deficiency in diabetics may lead to high potassium levels.

Medications

• Certain medications that either contain potassium or inhibit the excretion of potassium through your kidneys can also increase your risk of high potassium levels. These include angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (Lisinopril) and some diuretics (Spironolactone).

Adrenal Glands

• Your adrenal glands help regulate the level of potassium in your blood. When you have hormonal or endocrine conditions, such as adrenal insufficiency, you are at a higher risk of hyperkalemia.

Considerations

• Normal potassium levels are important to the healthy function of your heart and nervous system.