Hyperkalaemia, also known as hyperkalaemia, corresponds to an increase in the amount of potassium in the blood, with a concentration higher than the reference value, which is between 3.5 and 5.5 mEq / L.
Increased amounts of potassium in your blood can lead to complications such as muscle weakness, changes in heart rate, and shortness of breath.
- High potassium levels in the blood can have several causes.
- But they occur mainly as a result of kidney problems.
- As the kidneys regulate potassium entry and exit into cells.
- In addition to kidney problems.
- Hyperkalaemia can occur as a result of hyperglycemia.
- Congestive heart failure or metabolic acidosis.
Increasing the amount of potassium in your blood can lead to certain nonspecific signs and symptoms, which may end up going unnoticed, such as:
In addition, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and mental confusion may occur. In the face of these symptoms, the person should consult a doctor as soon as possible to perform blood and urine tests and, if necessary, initiate appropriate treatment.
The normal blood potassium value is between 3.5 and 5.5 mEq/L, with values greater than 5.5 mEq/L indicating hyperkalaemia. Learn more about potassium levels in your blood and why they can be modified.
Hyperkalaemia can occur as a result of several situations, including
In addition, the increase in the amount of potassium in the blood may occur as a result of the use of certain medications, after blood transfusions or after radiation therapy.
Treatment of hyperkalaemia is based on the cause of the change and medications may be indicated in hospitals. Severe cases that are not treated immediately can cause cardiac arrest and damage to the brain or other organs.
When high levels of potassium occur in the blood as a result of renal failure or the use of medicines such as calcium gluconate and diuretics, for example, haemodialysis may be indicated.
To prevent hyperkalaemia, in addition to taking medication, it is important that the patient has a habit of consuming little salt in his diet, also avoiding his substitutes such as spice cubes, also rich in potassium. When a person has a slight increase in potassium in the blood, a good home treatment involves drinking plenty of water and reducing consumption of potassium-rich foods, such as nuts, bananas and milk. See the full list of foods that contain potassium to avoid.