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What Does an Elevated Potassium Level Mean?

Kidney disease and medications are the most common cause of elevated potassium levels, or hyperkalemia. However, there are other causes as well. In general, hyperkalemia indicates a problem with the uptake of potassium from the blood. (See Reference 1)

  1. Renal disease

    • Renal disease is one of the most common causes of elevated potassium levels. According to Parham et al., the kidneys are mostly responsible for maintaining potassium levels. Therefore, when the kidneys have problems, hyperkalemia may result. (See Reference 1)

    Medications

    • Some medications can cause elevated potassium levels. These include "angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, penicillin G, trimethoprim, spironolactone, succinylcholine, alternative medicines, and heparin," according to Parham et al.

    Hormone imbalance

    • The hormone aldosterone regulates potassium levels in the kidneys. If there are problems with aldosterone production, potassium levels may elevate. (See Reference 2)

    Other Causes

    • According to Parham et al., blood transfusions, significant burns and tissue damage, tumor lysis syndrome and HIV can also cause elevated potassium levels.

    Considerations

    • Elevated potassium levels often result from several causes, which makes isolating a single reason for abnormal levels difficult. (See Reference 1)

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