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Hyperkalemia Definition

Hyperkalemia is a condition resulting in an increase in potassium levels in the blood. According to hyperkalemia.net, 8 percent of hospitalized patients suffer from hyperkalemia. While many cases are mild and treated with fluids, severe cases are the result of more serious medical conditions that also need to be treated. Severe cases should be considered a medical emergency, as it can result in fatal effects.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms and signs of hyperkalemia vary depending on the case, and many times, a patient will not have symptoms. In cases where symptoms are present, they include palpitations of the heart and an irregular heartbeat with a feeling of discomfort. It is also common to have weakness in the muscles along with nausea and a tingling sensation in the extremities. A person with the disorder will have a pulse that is weak, slow or absent. Severe cases of hyperkalemia cause the heart to stop working.

    Cause

    • Kidney failure is the main cause, resulting in an increase in potassium and the development of hyperkalemia. Other medical conditions that cause hyperkalemia include diseases that affect the adrenal gland, or cause potassium pulling out of cells and going into the bloodstream for a variety of medical disorders, and medications that cause an increase in potassium in the body. When the kidneys are not working properly, potassium is not excreted properly. A person that is suffering from hyperkalemia should not be given medications that contain potassium, as the condition will worsen.

    Diagnosis

    • Hyperkalemia is diagnosed through a blood sample test where the concentration of potassium is determined. If the levels are high, an electrocardiogram is conducted to evaluate changes and cardiac arrhythmias that are typical with hyperkalemia.

    Treatment

    • The treatments for hyperkalemia will vary based on the cause and severity of the condition. Along with lowering the current potassium levels, the underlying cause needs medical treatment to prevent further increases. Severe cases of hyperkalemia will show changes on the electrocardiogram and result in hospitalization for monitoring. Medication that is causing potassium levels to increase is stopped, and insulin and glucose are administered intravenously to stimulate the movement of potassium back into the cells. Diuretics are given to stimulate the excretion of potassium through urine. Severe cases that cause the kidneys to stop functioning require dialysis treatment.

    Prevention

    • Prevention includes monitoring potassium levels when there is a known problem with high levels. Disorders that cause hyperkalemia should be treated promptly to prevent hyperkalemia from developing.

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