Diseases
hyperkalemia
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Hyperkalemia is the medical term that describes a potassium level in your blood that's higher than normal. Potassium is a chemical that is critical to the function of nerve and muscle cells, including those in your heart. Your blood potassium level is normally 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
Symptoms
- abdominal (belly) pain and diarrhea.
- chest pain.
- nausea and vomiting.
- heart palpitations or arrhythmia (irregular, fast or fluttering heartbeat).
- muscle weakness or numbness in limbs.
Causes
- a high-potassium diet, which can result from potassium supplements and salt substitutes.
- medications that contain potassium, such as certain high blood pressure medicines.
Risk factors
- addison’s disease.
- alcohol use disorder (alcoholism).
- burns over a large part of your body.
Diagnosis
- a serum potassium test measures potassium levels in blood.
- electrocardiogram:this test shows changes in heart rhythm caused by hyperkalemia
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is hyperkalemia?
Hyperkalemia is the medical term that describes a potassium level in your blood that's higher than normal. Potassium is a chemical that is critical to the function of nerve and muscle cells, including those in your heart. Your blood potassium level is normally 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
What are the symptoms of hyperkalemia?
abdominal (belly) pain and diarrhea., chest pain., nausea and vomiting., heart palpitations or arrhythmia (irregular, fast or fluttering heartbeat)., muscle weakness or numbness in limbs.
What causes hyperkalemia?
a high-potassium diet, which can result from potassium supplements and salt substitutes.; medications that contain potassium, such as certain high blood pressure medicines.
Which medicines are used for hyperkalemia?
furosemide, sodium polystyrene sulfonate
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