High Potassium Levels Symptoms
Normal potassium levels are between 3.5 and 5.0 3.5 to 5.0 milliequivalents per liter or mEq/L. Hyperkalemia occurs when the level of potassium in the blood is higher than what it should be. This rise can be due to an increase in total body potassium or the excessive release of potassium from the cells into the bloodstream.
The kidneys, when working as they should, do the job of removing excessive amounts of potassium from the body. Most cases of high potassium levels are caused by disorders which reduce the ability of the kidneys form ridding the body of potassium. Conditions such as acute and chronic kidney failure, obstructive uropathy and the rejection of a kidney transplant can result in a person having high potassium levels in their blood.
Symptoms of High Potassium Levels
Hyperkalemia often has no symptoms but some people may notice that their heartbeat is irregular, that they are nauseous often and that their pulse is slow or weakened. A heart attack or irregular heartbeat can be indicative of high potassium levels. If someone becomes injured or has suffered from major tissue destruction such as from a burn, surgical procedure or chemotherapy, the damaged cells release high levels of potassium.
Causes of High Potassium Levels
The main causes of high potassium levels are kidney dysfunction, adrenal gland disease, the sifting out of potassium from cells in the bloodstream and medications. Normally the kidneys excrete potassium but if there is a dysfunction of the kidneys, potassium is not filtered, leading to high levels of potassium being in the bloodstream. Lupus is a cause of high potassium levels as are obstructive diseases of the urinary tract such as urolithiasis which is characterized by urinary tract stones.
Drug abuse, alcoholism, coma and certain infections can raise the levels of potassium in the bloodstream. An increased intake of potassium can cause hyperkalemia if the kidneys are not functioning as they should. Many salt substitutes on the market contain potassium as do many “low salt” packaged foods. A person taking too many potassium supplements on a regular basis also can see his or her potassium levels rise.