What Medical Condition Does High Potassium Indicate?

In general, high blood potassium levels indicate a problem with the uptake of potassium. This can be caused by several conditions, with kidney disease being one of the most common, according to research reported in the Texas Heart Institute Journal in 2006. Medications can also cause potassium imbalances.

Function

• Because potassium is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, high levels can disrupt the body's balance. Hyperkalemia is usually the result of an underlying cause. It is generally not seen in individuals who are otherwise in good health.

Types of Causes

• According to Dr. Walter Parham and fellow researchers at St. Louis University School of Medicine and St. John's Mercy Medical Center, renal disease and medications are the most common causes of elevated potassium levels. Problems with aldosterone production, the hormone responsible for regulating potassium levels, may elevate potassium levels as well. Blood transfusions, significant burns and tissue damage, tumor lysis syndrome, and HIV are other causes.

Significance

• Hyperkalemia presents a health problem because too much potassium throws off the body's electrolyte balance and can cause arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and issues with neuromuscular control.

Treatments

• According to Medline Plus, acute treatment of hyperkalemia involves medications to remove excess potassium and dialysis. Diuretic pills and intravenous calcium may be used as well.

Prevention/Solution

• The prevention of hyperkalemia involves treating its underlying condition swiftly. Once its potential cause is removed, hyperkalemia is no longer a risk.