Effects of High Levels of Potassium

Potassium is one of the main electrolytes that the body requires for proper functioning of the nervous system and muscles, especially the heart and kidneys. Potassium in the body normally resides in the organs and cells, with a small amount circulating in the blood. Kidney problems are the main reason for an increase of potassium levels in the blood. Anything over 5 mEq/L of potassium in the blood is considered too high.

Side Effects

• Immediate side effects of high potassium levels in the blood are nausea, fatigue, muscle weakness or tingling in the extremities and tongue. As the levels continue to rise, it can cause the heartbeat to slow and, in the most extreme cases, actually stop. Overly high potassium levels can also cause confusion, shallow breathing, seizure or convulsions, uneven heartbeat, heavy feeling in your arms or legs, or feeling faint.

Long-Term Side Effects

• As this condition can be difficult to diagnose, overly high potassium can have long-term side effects when people do not realize they have a problem. It can cause atherosclerosis, blood pressure problems, heart arrhythmias, and problems with the kidneys that worsen, the longer the condition persists. Potassium is used in smooth muscle contraction, so high levels can also affect the function of the digestive system over time.

Causes

• High levels of potassium in the blood can be caused by acute or chronic kidney failure, problems with the urinary tract, glomerulonephritis, lupus nephritis, diabetes, Addison's disease, or tissue trauma from surgery, burns, or other traumatic injury. Certain medications can also cause potassium levels to build up in the body. These include potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs), and potassium supplements.

Treatment

• Treatment for high levels of potassium include insulin, beta agonists, or sodium bicarbonate, all of which promote the movement of potassium from the blood back into the cells. Diuretics can be given to help the kidneys excrete potassium, and binding resins can help help the digestive system with the exchange of potassium and sodium. Long-term treatment often involves changes to the diet to decrease potassium intake, and regulating high-potassium foods such as bananas, avocados, lentils, peaches, potatoes, tomatoes, watermelon, and salmon. Medications that increase potassium levels in the blood should be discontinued. Dialysis might be recommended, especially if kidney function is compromised.

Warning

• Too much potassium in the blood can cause fatal heart problems. Treatment should be monitored closely by a doctor, and the root cause for the increased potassium levels should be ascertained and dealt with as soon as possible.

Considerations

• The body does not store potassium, and uses it on a daily basis. The best way to maintain proper levels is by diet. Both high and low levels of potassium cause health problems. High levels of potassium in the blood is called hyperkalemia, and it is common in people who have kidney problems, as the kidneys are essential in maintaining the proper balance of potassium.