Hyperkalemia is too much potassium in the blood. If left untreated, excess potassium can lead to complications and serious heart problems. What are the symptoms of hyperkalemia? Update from Dr. Sophie Bauer, thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon.
Hyperkalemia Definition (High Potassium)
Hyperkalemia is too much potassium in the blood. Potassium, symbol K, is an essential and peripheral element of the body. In fact, this electrolyte is essential for the functioning of the heart, nerves and muscles.
Indications of potassium in the blood: Which tests (ionogram, electrocardiogram, etc.)?
“Potassium is part of the daily test,” said Dr. Sophie Bauer. “Potassium is measured in the ion table, which includes measurements of other ions such as sodium and chloride. Creatinine is an additional test used to measure kidney function.
If there is excess potassium, the doctor will sometimes order an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart risk.
What is the normal price?
In adults, the diabetic potassium content (in the blood) should be between 3.5 and 5.1 millimoles per liter (mmol/l). The surgeon warned: “Above 5.5 mmol/l, the patient is in hyperkalemia, i.e. hyperkalemia. The patient should be monitored carefully. If above 6.5 mmol/l, you should seek urgent medical attention.” Excess Potassium: What Causes Excess Potassium?
“Excess potassium in the blood can be caused by two main problems: kidney disease or kidney failure, or skeletal muscle, which we call ‘crush syndrome,'” the doctor says.
Crush syndrome is a type of rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a medical condition that affects skeletal muscle degeneration. In the case of ischemia, where blood flow to or from the body is stopped or inadequate, cells are deprived of oxygen, causing cell lysis (organic destruction). Thus, meat fibers are slowly destroyed and their contents (including potassium) are mixed into the blood. Disorders in potassium metabolism and utilization cause rhabdomyolysis. When large, it increases the patient’s risk. “Increased potassium levels in the blood are an important cause of heart problems.”
The second cause of hyperkalemia is acute or chronic renal failure.
“If the kidneys are not in good shape, potassium will accumulate in the blood. High potassium levels can also be caused by diet,” says Dr. Sophie Bauer.
Top athletes tend to produce more lactic acid after exercise, which promotes hyperkalemia. “It is therefore important to have enough water during exercise so that excess potassium is excreted in the urine during exercise,” advise thoracic surgeons and heart surgeons.
Sometimes there are certain medications that can increase blood pressure, especially potassium-sparing diuretics.
Other causes may include a potassium-rich diet, diabetes or electrolyte-containing treatments. Symptoms: What are the symptoms of hypokalemia?
Mild to moderate hyperkalemia does not cause symptoms. When they do occur, symptoms can be short-term or long-term. They often include abdominal pain and digestive problems such as diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
Severe hyperkalemia may also cause other symptoms such as muscle weakness, chest pain, heart attack or numbness in the limbs. “Hyperkalemia raises the pH of the blood. The acidity affects how the body functions, harming the body,” Dr. Top added.
Risks and Consequences: Too Much Potassium?
“The biggest risk is cardiac arrhythmia, which can lead to ventricular fibrillation and heart attack. Ion exchange is less effective. The main risk of hyperkalemia is muscle dysfunction, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Vascular or kidney problems may occur.
Hyperkalemia Treatment: What to Do?
It is important to correct the cause. Hyperkalemia is controlled with potassium-sparing drugs. “In cases of high blood pressure or heart failure, we can prescribe ACE inhibitors in appropriate doses, paying attention to the risk of causing hyperkalemia. Beta-blocker heart drugs are rarely used. Symptoms of hyperkalemia should be monitored, so we ask.” Change for a new dose in cases of hyperkalemia High numbers, but currently no blood tourniquet is collected: when we use the tourniquet, potassium is placed in the tube, which skews the results.
Potassium binders may be needed, either orally or by enema. People with diabetes should be monitored by a doctor. “Kidney damage can occur silently,” the surgeon warned.
If high potassium levels cannot be treated by other means, ultrafiltration or, in severe cases, hemodialysis may sometimes be required to remove excess potassium from the blood.
What should I eat if I have hyperkalemia?
If I have too much potassium, it is best to avoid certain fresh fruits such as bananas, dates, prunes, figs, dried fruits, kiwi, etc. Certain vegetables, such as kale, greens, and chocolate, are potassium-rich foods and should be avoided. “Your doctor will write a nutrition plan for you when you talk about treatment.”