|
|
HyperkalemiaDefinition Hyperkalemia is a condition caused by higher than normal levels of potassium in the bloodstream. Causes, incidence, and risk factors Potassium has many functions in the body. It helps to regulate the activity of all muscle tissue -- smooth muscles (such as the muscles in the intestines), the muscles of the heart, and skeletal muscles. Potassium is part of the enzyme reactions in digestion and metabolism. It is also part of homeostasis, the mechanism that maintains a balance between the many electrical and chemical processes of the body. Almost all (98%) potassium in the body is found inside the cells (intracellular). Only about 2% occurs in the fluids outside of the cells (extracellular). Potassium can move into and out of cells. Blood tests reflect only the extracellular potassium levels, and do not indicate the amount of potassium within the cells. Movement of potassium into or out of cells can change the blood potassium level (serum potassium) when there is no change in the total amount of potassium in the body. Hyperkalemia occurs when the level of potassium in the bloodstream is higher than normal. This may be related to increase in total body potassium or excessive release of potassium from the cells into the bloodstream. The kidneys normally excrete excess potassium from the body. Therefore, most cases of hyperkalemia are caused by disorders that reduce the kidneys' ability to excrete potassium. Insufficient kidney function may result from disorders including (but not limited to):
The hormone aldosterone (see the aldosterone test) regulates kidney excretion of sodium and potassium. Lack of aldosterone can result in hyperkalemia with an increase in total body potassium. Addison's disease is one disorder that causes reduced aldosterone production. Any time potassium is released from the cells, it may accumulate in the extracellular fluid and the bloodstream. Acidosis (acidic condition of the body) results in movement of potassium from inside the cells to the extracellular fluid. Tissue trauma causes the cells to release potassium into the extracellular fluid. This includes:
If kidney function is adequate, and sufficient amounts of aldosterone are present, tissue trauma alone rarely results in hyperkalemia. A normally functioning kidney will excrete the excess potassium that has been released from the cells. Increased intake of potassium may cause hyperkalemia if kidney function is poor. Salt substitutes often contain potassium, as do many "low-salt" packaged foods. Hyperkalemia may be caused by medications, including medications that affect kidney function (potassium sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone, amiloride, or triamterene) and potassium supplements (especially intravenous potassium). Hyperkalemia can have serious, potentially life-threatening effects on the body. A gradual increase in potassium, as may occur with chronic renal failure, may be better tolerated than a sudden increase. Slightly higher than normal potassium levels may be well tolerated by some persons with chronic renal failure. Symptoms Hyperkalemia often has no symptoms. Occasionally, the following signs or symptoms may be seen:
Signs and tests
Treatment Cardiac arrest (absent heartbeat) may occur at any time during treatment of hyperkalemia. Hospitalization and close monitoring is required. ACUTE TREATMENT The goal of acute treatment is to protect the body from the effects of hyperkalemia. This may include protective measures, shift of potassium into the intracellular fluid, and reduction of total body potassium. Emergency treatment is indicated if the potassium is very high, or if severe symptoms are present, including changes in the ECG. Intravenous calcium may be given to temporarily counteract the muscle and heart effects of hyperkalemia, including cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heart beats). Intravenous (given in the vein) calcium will only counteract symptoms for about 1 hour, so other treatments should begin immediately. Intravenous glucose and insulin moves potassium from the extracellular fluids back into the cells. This may reverse severe symptoms long enough to allow correction of the cause of the hyperkalemia. Sodium bicarbonate causes potassium to shift from extracellular to intracellular fluids. It may reverse hyperkalemia caused by acidosis with no other treatment required. Prolonged use of sodium bicarbonate should be avoided because it may cause severe complications. Diuretic medications (water pills) cause decrease in total body potassium. They may be prescribed for people who can tolerate the loss of body fluid that accompanies use of a diuretic. Cation-exchange resins, such as sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate), are medications that bind (attach to) potassium and cause it to be excreted from the gastrointestinal tract. These medications may be given orally or rectally. Dialysis may be used to reduce total body potassium levels, especially if kidney function is compromised. Dialysis is indicated when more conservative measures have failed or are inappropriate. LONG-TERM TREATMENT Long-term treatment includes treatment of the cause and associated disorders. Treatment of chronic renal failure may include dietary potassium restriction. "Loop diuretics" may be prescribed to reduce potassium and fluid levels in persons with chronic renal failure. Need for potassium supplements and other medications that may cause hyperkalemia should be reviewed by the health care provider. These medications may be stopped, reduced in dose, or substituted by another medication. Salt substitute, often used by people on a low salt diet, should not be used by those with renal failure or a history of hyperkalemia. Expectations (prognosis) The probable outcome is variable. The disorder may cause deadly complications, or it may be well tolerated by the body. Complications
Calling your health care provider Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms indicating hyperkalemia are present. Emergency symptoms include loss of consciousness, changes in breathing pattern, nausea, weakness and absent or weak heartbeat. Prevention Disorders that may cause hyperkalemia should be treated promptly. Serum potassium should be monitored in persons with these conditions. Kidney function should be assessed prior to and during administration of potassium supplements. They should not be given unless the urine output and kidney function is adequate. Illustrations
Page Content: High potassium; Potassium - high ; food high in potassium; high potassium; food high potassium; high level potassium; high potassium symptom; cause high potassium; blood high in level potassium; blood high level potassium; high level potassium symptom; cause high level potassium; blood high in potassium; blood high potassium pressure; diet high potassium; cup food high in potassium; fruit high in potassium; blood high potassium; chart food high in potassium; danger high level potassium; high potassium too; food high in potassium that; diet high potassium recipe; danger high potassium; effects high potassium; food high list potassium; count high potassium; high in potassium vegetable; fruit high in potassium vegetable; high potassium risk; fruit high potassium; body high in level potassium; cholesterol food high in in low potassium protein; high in potassium; blood high low potassium pressure; blood high potassium test; high level potassium too; fruit high in potassium that; food high in potassium; high potassium; high potassium food; high potassium level; symptom of high potassium; what cause high potassium; high potassium level in blood; high potassium blood level; symptom of high potassium level; what cause high potassium level; high potassium in blood; potassium and high blood pressure; high potassium diet; cup food high in potassium; fruit high in potassium; high blood potassium; chart food high in potassium; danger of high potassium level; potassium too high; food that are high in potassium; diet high potassium recipe; danger of high potassium; effects of high potassium; list food high potassium; high potassium count; vegetable high in potassium; fruit and vegetable high in potassium; risk high potassium; high potassium fruit; high level of potassium in body; food high in protein low in cholesterol and potassium; high in potassium; low potassium and high blood pressure; high potassium blood test; potassium level too high; fruit that are high in potassium |
   |
