Diagnosis of Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is a condition in which potassium levels are elevated in the bloodstream. Potassium is required for proper function of your heart, muscles, digestive tract, metabolism and the electrical and chemical processes within the body. When potassium levels are high, medical problems can arise, some life-threatening.

Causes

• Kidneys remove excess potassium from the body, so most causes of hyperkalemia are from a disorder affecting the kidneys. Kidney malfunction can result from acute or chronic kidney failure, lupus and rejection of a kidney transplant. Aldosterone is a hormone that regulates the kidney's removal of potassium and sodium from the body. When this hormone is lacking, such as in Addison's disease, it can result in hyperkalemia.

Symptoms

• Hyperkalemia does not always show symptoms, but if it does, they would include irregular heartbeat, weakness, fatigue, difficulty breathing, tingling, numbness, nausea and paralysis.

Diagnosis

• Tests to diagnose hyperkalemia include an ECG to show arrhythmias in the heart that would include a heart block or a dangerously slow heartbeat. A blood test can show abnormally high levels of potassium.

Treatment

• Treatment for hyperkalemia are geared towards stabilizing heart function and eliminating excess potassium from the body. Insulin in tablet form or injections and sodium bicarbonate will encourage potassium to shift from the bloodstream to cells. Diuretics promote potassium excretion from the kidneys and binding resins, such as Kayexalate, encourage potassium and sodium exchange in the lower digestive tract. Severe hyperkalemia may require hospitalization with dialysis if kidney function is damaged.

Nutrition

• After diagnosis of hyperkalemia it is best to avoid food with high levels of potassium including bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, peaches and nuts. Also avoid foods such as white bread, pasta, red meats or lunch meats. Reduce your intake of trans-fatty foods, such as cookies, crackers, cakes, french fries, donuts, processed foods and margarine. Eat more fish, beans and lean meats. Use healthy cooking oils such as olive or vegetable oil. Avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day to help the body rid itself of excess potassium and exercise five days a week for about 30 minutes. With any new diet or exercise routine, consult with your doctor first.