• Kidney diseases such as kidney failure, glomerulonephritis, obstructive uropathy

• Adrenal malfunction

• Too much acid in the blood (as is seen in diabetes sometimes)

• Diet high in potassium, (tomatoes, bananas, oranges, high protein diets, salt substitutes, or potassium supplements)

• Trauma, especially burns or crush injuries

• Addison's disease, Cushing’s syndrome

• Certain medications, like beta-blockers, NSAIDS, ace inhibitors, and diuretics

• Type 1 diabetes

• Tissue trauma like burns as they causes the cells to release potassium

• Irregular heartbeat

• Fatigue, weakness

• Slow, week, or absent pulse

• Nausea and vomiting

• Tingling, numbness, or other unusual sensations

• Paralysis

• Difficulty breathing

• Absent or weak pulse

• Changes in breathing pattern

• Loss of consciousness

• Nausea and weakness

• Blood test to check the level of potassium

• ECG to see the effect of increased level of potassium on heart muscles

Treatment options for hyperkalemia

Treatment is based upon the underlying cause and amount of the increased levels of potassium in the body.

• Dialysis to reduce total body potassium levels, especially if kidney function is altered

• Diuretic medications (water pills) to decrease total body potassium

• Intravenous calcium to temporarily but immediately treat effects on heart and muscles

• Sodium bicarbonate to reverse hyperkalemia caused by acidosis

• Limiting potassium in the diet and reducing or stopping potassium supplements

• Taking "loop diuretics" to reduce potassium in people with chronic renal failure

• Treat disorders that can cause hyperkalemia immediately

• Monitor serum potassium if you have any kidney disease

• Keep a regular check on you potassium levels

• People with kidney failure or a history of hyperkalemia should not use salt substitute as part of a “low-salt diet”

• Avoid foods that contain high amounts of potassium, such as bananas, lentils, nuts, peaches, potatoes, salmon, tomatoes, watermelon

• Avoid refined foods, like white breads, pastas, and sugar

• Eat less red meats and more lean meats, cold water fish, and beans for protein

• Dairy products like skimmed milk, whole milk, yogurt, buttermilk, and cottage cheese contains high potassium

• Ditch nuts like pistachio, peanut and almonds

• Limit processed meats

• Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can make hyperkalemia worse.

• “Portion size” or the serving size” of the food is important to be taken in consideration because though one might eat low potassium food, eating it in large quantity can increase the potassium levels. Therefore small portions are recommended

Low potassium containing foods

• Fruits like apple, grapes, berries, lemon, and plums have low potassium content

• Vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, cucumber, onions, and green beans too have low in potassium

• Snacks like jelly beans, red liquorice, and popcorn are a good choice for hyperkalemia patients to binge on

Possible Complications for hyperkalemia 

Mildhyperkalemia is pretty harmless but acute or sever can lead to,

• Arrhythmias

• Cardiac arrest

• Changes in nerve and muscle (neuromuscular) control

• Paralysis

• Metabolic acidosis

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last modified: July 27, 2011