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High Levels of Potassium in the Blood

Potassium plays a role in metabolism, regulating muscle tissue, digestion and heart activity. A high level of potassium in the blood is also referred to as hyperkalemia.

  1. Causes

    • Hyperkalemia can be caused by decreased kidney function, hormonal imbalances, medications, dietary changes and tissue trauma including burns, gastrointestinal bleeding, rhabdomyolysis, surgery, injuries or tumors.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of a high blood potassium level include an irregular heartbeat, irritability, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a slow, weak or absent pulse.

    Diagnosis

    • Electrical tests and serum potassium levels may be used to diagnose a high potassium level. According to MedlinePlus.com, a website published by the National Institutes of Health, a normal serum potassium level for an adult is between 3.7 and 5.2 milliequivalents per liter.

    Treatment

    • A diagnosis of hyperkalemia can be treated with medication, by dialysis and by decreasing potassium-rich foods in the diet. The choice of treatment depends on whether the high potassium is an emergency or an on-going condition and not every treatment will be indicated for every person.

    Food Sources

    • Foods containing potassium include red meat, chicken, soy products, veggie burgers, broccoli, peas, lima beans, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash, citrus fruits, cantaloupe, bananas, kiwi, prunes, apricots, milk, yogurt and certain fishes such as salmon, sardines and flounder.

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