About this topic
A high level of potassium in the blood is hyperkalemia. Potassium is an important mineral that your body needs to work the right way. It helps your body to: ‚
- Keep blood pressure normal
- Keep muscles, like the heart, working the right way
- Stop too much calcium from being lost through your urine
- Control the normal flow of nutrients between body fluids and cells
In most cases, your kidneys get rid of extra potassium. If they are not working well enough, or get hurt, you could have too much potassium build up in your blood. Some health problems, or their treatment, can cause problems with your potassium level. These include: ‚
- Kidney failure
- Certain drugs or supplements
- Diabetes and Addisons disease
- Tumors
- Burns over large parts of the body or body trauma
- Problems that cause blood cell damage or fluid loss
- Bleeding in the stomach
- Damage to muscle
- Alcoholism and drug abuse
- Infection
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor may give you drugs to lower your high potassium levels. Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Make sure your doctor knows all the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Ask your doctor before taking potassium supplements.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids each day.
- Your doctor will talk to you about other treatments needed for the cause of your hyperkalemia. Follow your doctors instructions with care.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need more blood tests to recheck your potassium levels. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower the amount of potassium in your blood
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Talk to your doctor or dietitian about your personal diet plan. Ask if you need to limit certain foods high in potassium. Some of these foods include: ‚
- Bananas and fruits
- Nuts, like almonds and peanuts
- Broccoli
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Avocados
- Milk
- Sports drinks
- Green, leafy vegetables
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
Call your doctor if you have: ‚
- A fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- Lightheadedness, confusion, or fainting
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have signs of a heart attack.
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/dictionary/h/az-hyperkalemia.html ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/750/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚