High potassium: symptoms and when to worry

High potassium in the blood can cause various problems. With a routine blood test at the clinical analysis laboratories of NefrocenterLab it is possible to have a complete test that also checks the levels of this mineral salt.  

What is potassium

Potassium is an essential mineral for the human body. It performs many vital functions in the body. 

• It regulates the heartbeat, preventing arrhythmias.
• It controls blood pressure by promoting vasodilation and reducing the risk of hypertension.
• It regulates fluid balance, helping to maintain the right level of fluids in the tissues.
• It improves muscle function by facilitating muscle contraction, including that of the heart and of the smooth muscles found in the blood vessels and the gastrointestinal tract.
• It improves nerve function by contributing to the proper working of the nervous system, including the transmission of nerve impulses.

High potassium: the causes

High potassium can have different causes. These include: 

• diabetes mellitus;
• dehydration;
• kidney disease;
• hypoaldosteronism. 

Not drinking enough can also cause an increase in potassium levels in our body, producing symptoms that can turn out to be more or less serious. Potassium is a mineral that can also rise when taking specific medications such as ACE inhibitors, diuretics and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).

Hyperkalemia (high blood potassium)

Hyperkalemia occurs when the serum potassium concentration reaches or exceeds 5.5 mmol/L (millimoles per liter). Hyperkalemia, or high blood potassium, is present when there are reserves of the mineral inside the human body. In some cases potassium can also be found outside the cells. This can happen when the substance has been taken in excessively through food, or when it is not eliminated enough because the kidneys are not working properly.

High potassium: when to worry

The symptoms of high potassium are easily recognizable and common. When there is an excess in the blood, a variety of symptoms may appear: 

• fatigue;
• cramps;
• muscle weakness; 
• blood pressure imbalances;
• rapid heartbeat.

If high potassium appears in a very short time, it is essential to seek immediate care from a doctor. The risk is high when values are above 6.0 mmol/L. Death is a risk when it reaches 10 mmol/L, at which point it becomes fatal for the patient.

Treatments for hyperkalemia

High potassium is also called hyperkalemia. In some cases, lowering the value is simply a matter of reducing potassium intake. In other circumstances, it is necessary to do without the medications that prevent the kidneys from eliminating this substance. It is essential to see a nephrologist when symptoms appear and after having the blood test. At NefroCenter facilities, thorough nephrology visits are carried out by highly specialized staff in the treatment of kidney disease. If the nephrologist does not see signs of kidney failure, natural methods can be used. Among these, besides a proper diet, it is recommended to increase or begin aerobic physical activity. In fact, the mineral can also be eliminated through sweat. What matters, however, is that the physical activity is aerobic and includes long walks, jogging, swimming or cycling. The goal is to avoid burdening the body further with excess fatigue when potassium is at higher levels.

The diet to follow

The diet must be appropriate and restore normal potassium levels in the blood. Foods with less than 150 mg of potassium are easy to find in stores. They include: 

• pineapple, 
• berries, 
• apples, 
• pears, 
• peaches, 
• rhubarb; 
• radishes;
• pumpkin.

Where to have blood tests done

The potassium test can be done at the NefrocenterLab laboratories. A common blood test assesses electrolyte imbalance and the body’s pH. Our body could be in acidosis or alkalosis. A state of acidosis exists when acidic substances are in excess in the body, causing the blood pH to fall below 7.35. Conversely, in a state of alkalosis the blood pH is above 7.35. The normal potassium level in the blood must be between 3 and 5.5 mEq/L.

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