Hyperkalemia is a condition in which a person suffers from high levels of potassium in the blood. Potassium is a necessary nutrient for various body functions. This electrolyte strengthens the functions of nerves and muscles in the body.
But too much blood potassium levels can lead to heart attack and cardiac impairments.
Hyperkalemia meaning is a high potassium buildup in the body which causes cardiac issues if left untreated for a longer period of time.
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What are the Normal Levels of Potassium?
The normal levels of potassium in the blood range between 3.5 to 5.0 millimoles per liter. You might have hyperkalemia if your blood potassium level crosses 6.5 mmol/L. Such high levels of potassium require immediate medical attention.
What are Hyperkalemia Causes?
We normally get potassium from our foods and drinks. The food after digestion from the stomach and the extraction of nutrients arrives in the kidneys. Kidneys are known for the elimination of excess potassium from the body. But overconsumption of potassium-rich foods can lead to potassium buildup in the body and their removal from the system might become a daunting task.
Foods that are Rich in Potassium
Listed below are some of the foods that can increase the levels of potassium in the blood:
- Potatoes
- Beet greens
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Cantaloupe
- Oranges
- Beans
- Lentils
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
- Yogurt
- Cashews
- Almonds
- Chicken
Some medications and supplements can also lead to high levels of potassium.
What are Hyperkalemia Symptoms?
According to the top reviewed Diabetologist in Islamabad, Dr. Tauqeer Ahmed Malik “The signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia mainly depend on the levels of minerals that are present in the body. During hyperkalemia, a person might not suffer from any signs at all.” But a chronic case of hyperkalemia might cause the given symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Either numbness or tingling sensations
- Irregular heart rhythms
In worst-case scenarios, high levels of uncatered or untreated blood potassium levels might lead to paralysis.
What are Hyperkalemia Treatments?
There are two main goals of hyperkalemia treatments. One is to lower the high levels of potassium and the second is to stabilize the heart conditions. Thus, given below are some of the most popular hyperkalemia treatments that you need to know about:
Hemodialysis
In case you are suffering from kidney failure because of high blood potassium levels then hemodialysis is the best possible option. During hemodialysis, the excess potassium is pumped out of the body with the help of a machine. This machine makes sure to remove all the toxins from the body. This is an effective hyperkalemia treatment that filters the blood when the kidneys are unable to do so.
Diuretics
According to the health experts of Akram Medical Complex, doctors often prescribe diuretics to treat high levels of blood potassium. This medicine helps patients with frequent urination. Frequent urination also aids to get rid of the potassium buildup in the body which is causing health complications.
Doctors might recommend loop diuretics, potassium-sparing diuretics, or thiazide diuretics to treat hyperkalemia.
Emergency Medicinal Treatments
Sometimes an urgent or emergency hyperkalemia treatment is required to stabilize the patient. That is when doctors might have to administer the drugs to the patients via an IV.
These emergency medicinal treatments include calcium gluconate, calcium chloride, and insulin or glucose. Sometimes sodium bicarbonate is also injected to stabilize the high levels of potassium in the blood.
What are the Risk Factors of Hyperkalemia?
Given below are some of the common risk factors of hyperkalemia that might increase the chances of this disease:
- Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease is an uncommon or rare disease in which the body’s adrenal glands are not able to produce the needed amount of certain hormones. From low levels of testosterone to reduced levels of cortisol, Addison’s disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands are not functioning properly. This disease also increases the high levels of potassium in the body.
- Diabetes
High levels of glucose also cause kidney failure. Hence leading to hyperkalemia. People who are dealing with diabetes are often at an increased risk of high blood potassium levels.
- HIV
HIV is a disease that can lower the functional capacity of kidneys. Therefore leading to hampered potassium elimination from the body which in turn causes a potassium build-up in the body.
- Heart Failure
Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart’s pumping ability is seriously affected. People who are dealing with heart failure are often at a high risk of developing hyperkalemia.
- Burns over Large Parts of the Body
Excessive burns on the body can cause an increase in potassium in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of hyperkalemia.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption
This is not only a cancer-causing habit but is also related to high levels of potassium in the blood thus leading to hyperkalemia.
What are the Complications of Hyperkalemia?
While dealing with hyperkalemia, on-time diagnosis and proper treatment is necessary to avoid any sort of irreversible complications. Because if left untreated it can cause severe weakness, arrhythmia ( a disease in which a person suffers from irregular heartbeats), heart attack, and cardiac arrest.
Therefore, in order to avoid such health complications of hyperkalemia consult with your primary healthcare advisor as soon as you can.
How to Prevent Hyperkalemia?
Hyperkalemia is a disease that can be prevented with the help of some measures and lifestyle changes. We have compiled some of the ways in which you can control your body’s potassium levels:
- Try a low-potassium diet
- Limit your consumption of herbal supplements. This is mainly due to the fact that these supplements might contain potassium in varying degrees
- Stick to your treatment plans. For example, if you are suffering from heart conditions or kidney disease try to adhere to your healthcare’s treatment plans
- Avoid salt substitutes. These products are often rich in potassium
A Note from Healthwire
High levels of potassium are a serious condition that you need to cater to properly. From making significant diet changes to lifestyle improvements, there are some preventive measures that can decrease the chances of the onset of hyperkalemia. But if you need further assistance, reach out to the best nephrologists via Healthwire.
