What is Hyperkalemia?

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​Hyperkalemia means the potassium level in your blood is too high.  Potassium is an important electrolyte that helps your nerves and muscles work properly, including the heart muscles.  Because the kidneys help remove extra potassium from the body, hyperkalemia often happens when the kidneys are not able to keep potassium in balance.

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Common Symptoms

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Hyperkalemia may not always cause symptoms, especially when the potassium level rises slowly.  When symptoms do occur, they may include severe muscle weakness, shortness of breath, chest pain or palpitations.  In more severe cases, severe hyperkalemia can cause dangerous abnormal heart rhythms and can become life-threatening if not treated appropriately.

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Common Causes​

Hyperkalemia can happen for many different reasons.  Common causes include acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), dehydration and certain medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes.  It can also be cause by certain medications/supplelents or a diet rich in potassium.

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How AKC Can Help

At Advanced Kidney care (AKC), our nephrology team is experienced in evaluating and managing hyperkalemia.  We work to find the reason potassium is elevated, review kidney function and medications, and guide treatment to help lower potassium safely and reduce the risk of serious heart-related complications. 

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If you have a history of hyperkalemia, it is very important to have this closely monitored, as this has a high association with severe cardiovascular events, and even death.