Who’s at Risk for Hyperkalemia?

You need essential nutrients to stay healthy and thrive, but you can have too much of a good thing. When blood levels rise above the body’s healthy range, beneficial nutrients become toxic, causing serious health conditions. Hyperkalemia is one of those conditions.

Hyperkalemia means your blood’s potassium levels are too high, a problem that can cause an irregular heartbeat and potentially a life-threatening heart attack.

High potassium most often begins in people with kidney disease. That’s why it’s crucial to meet with our kidney expert, Dr. Deon Middlebrook, at his practice, Deon D. Middlebrook MDPC. He has the skills and experience to create the customized treatment you need to restore your health.

Why you need potassium

Potassium is one of several electrolytes in your body. Electrolytes are minerals that conduct an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids, such as your blood and the fluids inside and surrounding cells.

As an electrolyte, potassium ensures your nerves transmit the electrical impulses that keep your muscles and heart working. The mineral also moves nutrients into cells and works with sodium to regulate your body’s total fluids.

Your diet is the primary source of potassium, but if hyperkalemia develops, you can’t treat the problem by cutting back on your potassium consumption. Reducing potassium-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, beans, turkey, and milk would put you at risk for other nutritional deficiencies.

What increases your risk for hyperkalemia

Your risk of developing hyperkalemia increases if you have any of the following problems:

Excessive potassium consumption

If you’re healthy, your diet doesn’t cause hyperkalemia. But your potassium levels can increase if you take too many potassium-containing supplements. 

Kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the top cause of hyperkalemia. Your kidneys filter excess potassium from your blood and eliminate it in your urine. As CKD progressively damages your kidneys, they stop working and too much potassium stays in your bloodstream.

Your diet takes on an important role and becomes a vital part of your treatment plan if you’re diagnosed with kidney disease. 

Beyond moderating your dietary potassium, a diet that limits protein, sodium, and phosphorus takes the stress off your kidneys, slows disease progression, and maintains your overall health.

Other health concerns

Other health concerns and treatments that raise your risk for hyperkalemia include:

• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Congestive heart failure
• Blocked urinary tract
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Alcohol use disorder
• Injuries that cause severe bleeding
• Potassium-containing medications
• Intravenous (IV) fluids containing potassium
• Medications interfering with potassium excretion

As internal medicine and kidney specialists, we have the expertise to diagnose all the possible causes of hyperkalemia.

Hyperkalemia’s symptoms

Considering the potential for severe complications, you may be surprised to learn that hyperkalemia may not cause symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. However, you may experience any of the following:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Lethargy (loss of energy)
• Diarrhea and stomach cramps
• Muscle fatigue and weakness
• Tingling or numbness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Pounding, racing, or fluttering heart

Potassium levels usually increase slowly, causing symptoms that are barely noticeable or easy to ignore at first. 

Severe or sudden hyperkalemia may cause chest pain and shortness of breath, along with an irregular heartbeat. These are signs you need immediate medical care.

Early treatment from our caring Deon D. Middlebrook MDPC team prevents serious complications and puts you on the road to better health. Call the office if you have any questions or concerns. You can also request an appointment online.