mrsamct
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 Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 4:56 am Post subject: What Causes High Potassium Levels |
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Like all other vitamins and minerals, potassium is essential for the proper functioning of our body. Potassium is an important electrolyte which regulates cell function. Imbalance of nutrients often leads to several health problems. The condition wherein high levels of potassium are noticed is termed as hyperkalemia. What causes high potassium levels in the body? What does high potassium mean? The following section provides answers to these questions.
What Causes high Potassium Levels in the Body
Potassium level in blood between 3.5 mEq/L to 5.0 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter) is considered as normal level. Higher potassium levels are referred to as mild, moderate or severe hyperkalemia according to the measurements. Here is a list of causes of high potassium levels in blood.
* Kidney Diseases: High potassium levels in blood indicate kidney disorder. Kidneys filter the blood and help get rid of potassium. But damaged kidneys are not able to promote elimination of potassium. So kidney diseases or kidney dysfunction is one of the main causes of high potassium in blood. Chronic renal failure, lupus nephritis, transplant rejections or any change in the dialysis treatment for kidney patients can result in hyperkalemia.
* Adrenal Malfunction: The hormone 'aldostrone', released by the adrenal glands stimulates the kidneys to excrete potassium through urine. So adrenal dysfunction or diseases like Addison's disease which affect the function of the adrenal gland can lead to high potassium levels in blood.
* Diabetes: People diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are more prone to hyperkalamia. High glucose levels affect functioning of the kidneys leading to high potassium levels in blood.
* Wrong Diet: If the person whose kidneys are not functioning well, eats foods rich in potassium in excessive quantity then high potassium levels in blood can be noticed.
* Drugs and Medicines: Use of certain drugs and medications like anti-inflammatories, blood thinning medicines, lithium and some calcium channel blockers can lead to high potassium levels in blood.
* Injuries and Burns: Severe injuries to tissues, surgery, traumatic injury, hemolytic conditions that lead to explosion of blood cells may result in high potassium levels in blood. Tissue injuries lead to removal of potassium from cells and addition of potassium in bloodstream. This can cause an increase in blood potassium levels. Similarly, high acid levels (acidosis) result in transfer of potassium from inside the cells to the fluid outside the cells.
* Other Causes: Internal bleeding, chemotherapy for leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma, excessive intake of salt substitutes which contain potassium, rhabdomyolysis caused by drug abuse, alcoholism, coma, or certain infections can lead to high potassium levels in blood. Take a look at another buzzle article high potassium in blood causes for more information.
Symptoms of High Potassium Levels in Blood
* Muscle weakness
* Chest pain, or heart palpitations, irregular heart beat
* Diarrhea (with very high potassium levels)
* Slow heart beat, low pulse rate
* Excessive tiredness and nausea
* Muscle paralyzing or cardiac stroke (with very high potassium levels)
High potassium symptoms are often not seen until and unless there is a significant rise in blood potassium levels. Hyperkalemia treatment varies according to the causes. Healthy and balanced diet promotes proper functioning of kidneys. So, potassium levels can be maintained by following a balanced diet. High potassium levels can be lowered with the help of medicines and low potassium diet.
The electrolyte potassium helps maintain normal heart rates and thus lowers the chances of having heart diseases. It plays an important role in functioning of the nerve cells and muscle cells (including cells of the heart). It reduces the risk of cell dehydration. It aids in digestion and metabolism. I hope the article has provided an answer to the question 'what causes high potassium levels in blood'. If you notice any of the symptoms of high potassium levels, you should immediately contact your doctor.
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