What causes high levels of potassium?

Question

I suspect there is more than just diet involved. Everyone I know has the opposite problem and takes potassium pills. For the fourth time in a year I am being called into the Dr. for high potassium levels.

Answer 1

This topic I have searched out for you will be helpful:

Definition:

Hyperkalemia is a condition caused by higher than normal levels of potassium in the bloodstream.
Alternative Names:
High potassium; Potassium - high
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Potassium has many functions in the body. It helps to regulate the activity of all muscle tissue -- smooth muscles (such as the muscles in the intestines), the muscles of the heart, and skeletal muscles.

Potassium is part of the enzyme reactions in digestion and metabolism . It is also part of homeostasis, the mechanism that maintains a balance between the many electrical and chemical processes of the body.

Almost all (98%) potassium in the body is found inside the cells (intracellular). Only about 2% occurs in the fluids outside of the cells (extracellular). Potassium can move into and out of cells.

Blood tests reflect only the extracellular potassium levels, and do not indicate the amount of potassium within the cells. Movement of potassium into or out of cells can change the blood potassium level ( serum potassium ) when there is no change in the total amount of potassium in the body.

Hyperkalemia occurs when the level of potassium in the bloodstream is higher than normal. This may be related to increase in total body potassium or excessive release of potassium from the cells into the bloodstream.

The kidneys normally excrete excess potassium from the body. Therefore, most cases of hyperkalemia are caused by disorders that reduce the kidneys' ability to excrete potassium. Insufficient kidney function may result from disorders including (but not limited to):

* Acute kidney failure
* Chronic kidney failure
* Lupus nephritis
* Rejection of a kidney transplant
* Obstructive uropathy
* Glomerulonephritis

The hormone aldosterone (see the aldosterone test) regulates kidney excretion of sodium and potassium. Lack of aldosterone can result in hyperkalemia with an increase in total body potassium. Addison's disease is one disorder that causes reduced aldosterone production.

Any time potassium is released from the cells, it may accumulate in the extracellular fluid and the bloodstream. Acidosis (acidic condition of the body) results in movement of potassium from inside the cells to the extracellular fluid.

Tissue trauma causes the cells to release potassium into the extracellular fluid. This includes:

* Traumatic injury
* Surgery
* Gastrointestinal bleeding
* Tumors
* Burns
* Hemolytic conditions (disorders that cause blood cells to burst)
* Rhabdomyolysis from drug ingestion, alcoholism, coma, or certain infections

If kidney function is adequate, and sufficient amounts of aldosterone are present, tissue trauma alone rarely results in hyperkalemia. A normally functioning kidney will excrete the excess potassium that has been released from the cells.

Increased intake of potassium may cause hyperkalemia if kidney function is poor. Salt substitutes often contain potassium, as do many "low-salt" packaged foods. Hyperkalemia may be caused by medications, including medications that affect kidney function (potassium sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone, amiloride, or triamterene) and potassium supplements (especially intravenous potassium).

Hyperkalemia can have serious, potentially life-threatening effects on the body. A gradual increase in potassium, as may occur with chronic renal failure, may be better tolerated than a sudden increase. Slightly higher than normal potassium levels may be well tolerated by some persons with chronic renal failure.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

The most common cause of high potassium (hyperkalemia) is impaired kidney function. Other causes of hyperkalemia include:

Certain medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Hormone deficiencies, including adrenal failure (Addison's disease)
Destruction of red blood cells due to severe injury or burns
Excessive use of potassium supplements
Most of the potassium in your body is within your cells. As a result, the amount of potassium in your red blood cells is much greater than in the liquid part of your blood (plasma or serum). Your kidneys control the excretion of potassium in your urine.

True hyperkalemia is a serious and potentially life-threatening disorder. It can cause:

Muscle fatigue
Weakness
Paralysis
Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Nausea
Sometimes a report of high blood potassium isn't true hyperkalemia. Instead it may be caused by the rupture of red blood cells in the blood sample during or shortly after drawing the sample. The ruptured cells leak their potassium into the serum. This falsely elevates the amount of potassium in the blood sample, even though the potassium level in your body is actually normal.

Answer 4

You have to know more than your potassium is elevated. A high potassium is sometimes associated with renal failiure.
Maybe you are taking medication which is causing your potassium to go up.
Really, your giving too little information.

Answer 5

The common causes for high potassium (hyperkalemia) fall into two categories: problems with the kidney or problems with the hormone aldosterone, which controls the kidney. There is a blood test for aldosterone - that would be a good place to start. If aldosterone levels are normal, then you need to see a nephrologist or urologist.

Answer 6

Hope all will be ok. Can you see a Specialist?
Ask your Doc to refer you.

"aumunlvr", may have the name wrong, but you are a Doctor, and answer was very informative.

And will be praying that your levels drop down to normal. Don't panic. We love you and care for you. And read up as much as you can, so you understand what is going on, then you can check for symptoms. Feedback to your Doc., always helps them evaluate what the problem is.

Please keep us posted.

Answer 7

high potassium can be dangerous so watch what you eat and drink>>oj and has a lot of potassium in it and i didn't know it till the doctor told me not to give it to my mom>>i think a lot of stuff has hiden potassium in it

Answer 8

i have high blood pressure and i need to take potasium so maybe urs is the opposite but im not sure.