Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia
A high level of potassium in the blood is hyperkalemia. Potassium is an important mineral that your body needs to work properly. 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
Name
Hyperkalemia
About this topic
A high level of potassium in the blood is hyperkalemia. Potassium is an important mineral that your body needs to work properly. 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
What drugs may be needed?
Lower the amount of potassium in your blood
What changes to diet are needed?
Bananas and fruits,Nuts, like almonds and peanuts,Broccoli,Potatoes,Tomatoes,Avocados,Milk,Sports drinks,Green, leafy vegetables,Herbs such as alfalfa, dandelion, horsetail, and nettle
What problems could happen?
Changes in nerve and muscle control,Life-threatening heart rhythm changes,Cardiac arrest,Death
When do I need to call the doctor?
Signs of heart attack: Chest pain Trouble breathing Fast heartbeat Feeling dizzy,Chest pain,Trouble breathing,Fast heartbeat,Feeling dizzy,A fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat,Lightheadedness, confusion, or fainting,Muscle weakness,Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
Body systems
Ambulatory Care,Endocrine and Metabolic,Neonatal
What are other common names?
High Blood Potassium,High Potassium,High Potassium Levels,High Serum Potassium,Hyperpotassemia,Increased K,Increased Potassium,Increased Serum Potassium
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 provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.
Copyright
Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.
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