Definition
What is hyperkalemia?
Hyperkalemia is a condition in which the potassium level in the blood is higher than normal levels. Potassium levels in blood are normally 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol / L). If potassium levels in the blood above 7.0 mmol / L, this condition can be very dangerous and require immediate treatment. Potassium is important for heart function and has an important role in bone, muscle contraction, digestion and muscle function.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia?
Because of the important role in ensuring your heart is contracting smoothly, hyperkalemia can cause serious symptoms. You can feel:
Nausea
Fatigue
Muscle Weakness
Tingling Sensation
In addition to these symptoms, hyperkalemia can cause serious complications, such as life-threatening heart rhythm changes or cardiac arrhythmias. This can lead to an emergency condition of ventricular fibrillation, in which the lower part of the heart beats quickly and does not pump blood. Extreme potassium levels in the blood can make the heart stop beating, causing death.
There may be signs and symptoms not mentioned above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any of the above signs or symptoms or any other questions, consult your doctor. Each person's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Cause
What causes hyperkalemia?
Common causes of hyperkalemia are associated with renal malfunction. This condition may be congenital or caused by other conditions, such as:
Acute renal failure
Chronic renal failure
Some drugs are known to have an effect on potassium levels in the blood. Drugs associated with hyperkalemia include:
Antibiotics, such as penicillin G and trimethoprim.
Azole antifungal, to treat yeast infections in the vagina and other fungal infections.
Blood pressure medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
Blood pressure drugs called angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), though not as severe as ACE inhibitors in increasing potassium levels.
Blood pressure medicines called beta-blockers.
Herbal supplements, such as milkweed, lily of the valley, Siberian ginseng, Hawthorn berries, dried or canned frog skin (Bufo, Chan Su, Senso).
Heparin, blood thinner.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Potassium supplements.
Potassium-sparing diuretics, such as triamterene, amiloride (Midamor), and spironolactone (Aldactone).
Medication & Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for hyperkalemia?
Treatment of hyperkalemia should be adjusted based on the cause, severity of symptoms or changes in ECG, and overall health status in patients.
Handling may include:
A low potassium diet containing 2,000-3,000 milligrams of potassium per day
Stop or change drugs that contribute to hyperkalemia
Medicines to lower potassium levels in the body
Diuretic pills to remove potassium through the urinary tract
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) to remove potassium through the digestive tract
Patiromer (Veltassa) to reduce potassium levels in the body
Treating kidney disease, which involves dialysis that filters potassium from the blood
Other treatments depend on the cause of hyperkalemia. If you have very high potassium levels, you will get emergency treatment such as infusion.
What are the usual tests for hyperkalemia?
The doctor will check by listening to your heart rate. You will be given questions about medical history, diet, and drug use. Hyperkalemia may be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may appear mild and can be caused by various health conditions. It is important to notify your doctor of all the medications you are taking, including products that are sold freely, such as herbs and other supplements.
Several tests are used to diagnose hyperkalemia, such as:
Blood test
Urine test
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Treatment at home
What are the lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat hyperkalemia?
Most causes of hyperkalemia can not be prevented. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following doctor's guidance to overcome chronic conditions may help inhibit hyperkalemia-related diseases.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution of your problem.
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Bandung, IndonesiaWhat is hyperkalemia?
Hyperkalemia is a condition in which the potassium level in the blood is higher than normal levels. Potassium levels in blood are normally 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol / L). If potassium levels in the blood above 7.0 mmol / L, this condition can be very dangerous and require immediate treatment. Potassium is important for heart function and has an important role in bone, muscle contraction, digestion and muscle function.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia?
Because of the important role in ensuring your heart is contracting smoothly, hyperkalemia can cause serious symptoms. You can feel:
Nausea
Fatigue
Muscle Weakness
Tingling Sensation
In addition to these symptoms, hyperkalemia can cause serious complications, such as life-threatening heart rhythm changes or cardiac arrhythmias. This can lead to an emergency condition of ventricular fibrillation, in which the lower part of the heart beats quickly and does not pump blood. Extreme potassium levels in the blood can make the heart stop beating, causing death.
There may be signs and symptoms not mentioned above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any of the above signs or symptoms or any other questions, consult your doctor. Each person's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Cause
What causes hyperkalemia?
Common causes of hyperkalemia are associated with renal malfunction. This condition may be congenital or caused by other conditions, such as:
Acute renal failure
Chronic renal failure
Some drugs are known to have an effect on potassium levels in the blood. Drugs associated with hyperkalemia include:
Antibiotics, such as penicillin G and trimethoprim.
Azole antifungal, to treat yeast infections in the vagina and other fungal infections.
Blood pressure medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
Blood pressure drugs called angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), though not as severe as ACE inhibitors in increasing potassium levels.
Blood pressure medicines called beta-blockers.
Herbal supplements, such as milkweed, lily of the valley, Siberian ginseng, Hawthorn berries, dried or canned frog skin (Bufo, Chan Su, Senso).
Heparin, blood thinner.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Potassium supplements.
Potassium-sparing diuretics, such as triamterene, amiloride (Midamor), and spironolactone (Aldactone).
Medication & Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for hyperkalemia?
Treatment of hyperkalemia should be adjusted based on the cause, severity of symptoms or changes in ECG, and overall health status in patients.
Handling may include:
A low potassium diet containing 2,000-3,000 milligrams of potassium per day
Stop or change drugs that contribute to hyperkalemia
Medicines to lower potassium levels in the body
Diuretic pills to remove potassium through the urinary tract
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) to remove potassium through the digestive tract
Patiromer (Veltassa) to reduce potassium levels in the body
Treating kidney disease, which involves dialysis that filters potassium from the blood
Other treatments depend on the cause of hyperkalemia. If you have very high potassium levels, you will get emergency treatment such as infusion.
What are the usual tests for hyperkalemia?
The doctor will check by listening to your heart rate. You will be given questions about medical history, diet, and drug use. Hyperkalemia may be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may appear mild and can be caused by various health conditions. It is important to notify your doctor of all the medications you are taking, including products that are sold freely, such as herbs and other supplements.
Several tests are used to diagnose hyperkalemia, such as:
Blood test
Urine test
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Treatment at home
What are the lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat hyperkalemia?
Most causes of hyperkalemia can not be prevented. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following doctor's guidance to overcome chronic conditions may help inhibit hyperkalemia-related diseases.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution of your problem.
