What are the symptoms of high potassium levels?

If hyperkalemia comes on suddenly and you have very high levels of potassium, you may feel heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, or vomiting. Sudden or severe hyperkalemia is a life-threatening condition. It requires immediate medical care.

What could cause high potassium levels?

Several things can cause hyperkalemia, including health problems and use of certain medications.

  • Kidney failure. Kidney failure is the most common cause of high potassium.
  • Other health conditions. High potassium can also be linked to certain health problems, such as:
  • Medications.
  • Supplements.
  • Alcohol or drug use.
  • Trauma.

What does high potassium mean in a blood test?

Too much potassium in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia, may indicate: Kidney disease. Burns or other traumatic injuries. Addison’s disease, a hormonal disorder that can cause a variety of symptoms including weakness, dizziness, weight loss, and dehydration.

How is high potassium treated?

Treatment

  1. Calcium given into your veins (IV) to treat the muscle and heart effects of high potassium levels.
  2. Glucose and insulin given into your veins (IV) to help lower potassium levels long enough to correct the cause.
  3. Kidney dialysis if your kidney function is poor.

When do you treat high potassium?

You will need emergency treatment if your potassium level is very high, or if you have danger signs, such as changes in your ECG. Emergency treatment may include: Calcium given into your veins (IV) to treat the muscle and heart effects of high potassium levels.

What drugs raise potassium levels?

ARB medications including losartan, telmisartan, valsartan, and irbesartan may raise your potassium levels. These medications are used to treat high blood pressure, but can cause your kidneys to retain potassium instead of letting it flow out with your urine.

What should I do about my high potassium level?

Reduce your potassium intake. One of the easiest ways to lower your potassium levels naturally is to reduce the amount of potassium in your diet.

  • Check your salt substitutes. Some salt substitutes are also high in potassium.
  • Drink more water. Dehydration can make high potassium levels worse.
  • Avoid certain herbs.

    • How does a high level of potassium affect the body?

    The body needs a delicate balance of potassium to help the heart and other muscles work properly. But too much potassium in your blood can lead to dangerous, and possibly deadly, changes in heart rhythm. Hyperkalemia can happen if your kidneys don’t work properly and cannot remove potassium from your body or if you take certain medicines.

    What are the symptoms of a high potassium level?

    General symptoms of dangerously high blood potassium levels include fatigue, weakness, nausea and vomiting.

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