Hyperkalemia, the presence of excess potassium in the blood stream, is often a symptom of a loss of kidney function. Potassium is an essential nutrient in the body, but too much of it is far from a good thing. When more potassium is present than can be processed by the kidneys, it can lead to numbness and temporary paralysis in the extremities, nausea and vomiting, and even an irregular heartbeat.
Chronic or acute kidney disease are among the most frequent causes of hyperkalemia. According to the National Institutes of Health, one of the kidneys’ jobs is to filter excess potassium out of the blood. In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys lose their function gradually; acute kidney disease involves sudden loss of kidney function. In both, the loss of kidney function means that excess potassium remains in the body, leading to hyperkalemia. Other conditions that can cause hyperkalemia include type one diabetes and Addison’s disease.
In people with hyperkalemia, symptoms may or may not materialize. The Hershey Medical Center at Penn State reports a variety of symptoms of hyperkalemia that can arise. An irregular heartbeat can develop, with cardiac arrest occurring in the most extreme cases. People with hyperkalemia may experience symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and possibly numbness or paralysis in the extremities. Other symptoms of hyperkalemia may include nausea and trouble breathing.
There are a number of possible treatments for hyperkalemia aimed at regulating potassium levels and normalizing heart rhythm. When it is relatively mild and not associated with an underlying complication like kidney failure or adrenal failure, dietary modifications can be used to treat hyperkalemia. Dietary potassium can be reduced by reducing the intake of potatoes, bananas, prunes, and raisins to less than recommended daily levels – about 4,700 mg per day according the Linus Pauling Institute.
When it is more advanced, several medications are used as hyperkalemia treatments. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, diuretics are used to promote potassium excretion in the kidneys and decrease overall potassium in the body. Medications like sodium bicarbonate may also be used to help cells retrieve potassium from the blood.
The Hershey Medical Center reports that in the most severe cases, an intravenous combination of insulin, glucose, and sometimes calcium is used as a hyperkalemia treatment. The purpose of this is to help cells absorb potassium from the blood stream and to protect the heart and muscles from the excess potassium. Treating hyperkalemia also means treating the underlying condition that caused the symptom to develop. In the case of kidney failure, this can mean dialysis.
Hyperkalemia is a symptom that can be triggered by kidney disease, type one diabetes, or a diet too high in potassium. While it often yields no symptoms, in advanced cases it can cause an irregular heartbeat, nausea, and fatigue. Anyone with questions about symptoms or treatments for hyperkalemia, or anyone who believes they may have hyperkalemia should consult their medical professional.
References:
Hyperkalemia. Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Penn State University.
Hyperkalemia. National Institutes of Health.
Hyperkalemia. University of Maryland Medical Center.
