What Is High Potassium Symptomatic Of?

High potassium, or hyperkalemia, is an electrolyte disturbance that causes weakness, nausea, heart arrhythmia and possibly death. A high potassium level is a medical emergency that must be treated immediately. There are several major causes of high potassium.

Excessive intake

• Ingestion of high-potassium foods such as figs, molasses, and vegetables such as spinach and tomatoes can increase your potassium levels. Other external sources of potassium include blood transfusions and potassium salt tablets.

Tissue damage

• Muscle tissue contains large amounts of potassium. When muscle tissue is damaged, it begins to break down and release potassium into the bloodstream, increasing potassium levels.

Kidney disease

• Potassium is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, excessive potassium can accumulate.

Medications

• Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and certain blood pressure medications can increase potassium. They do this by reducing the kidneys' ability to eliminate potassium.

Metabolic disorders

• Certain conditions such as diabetes and uncommon genetic diseases can affect the potassium balance in the body.