What causes high potassium levels, and what are the physical effects? How do you know if you have this problem?
Potassium is an element that is critical to the proper functioning of our bodies. Normally, the concentration of potassium in our blood is tightly controlled by our kidneys, which are well designed to maintain appropriate levels. The amount of potassium in our blood is low compared with the amount found within the various cells that make up our bodies.
Our bodies are so adept at maintaining a normal level of potassium that unless there is a problem with the kidneys, consuming potassium by mouth will not result in high potassium levels. However, high potassium blood levels can occur under certain conditions, and in extreme cases they can lead to serious consequences. Besides kidney disease, increased potassium can result from cell damage, taking certain drugs (some diuretics and blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors), deficiencies in certain hormones such as aldosterone (a hormone produced by the adrenal glands), and metabolic problems.
Unfortunately, there are few symptoms of high potassium levels, and when they do occur they are not seen till the potassium is already at a significantly elevated level. These signs may include muscular weakness progressing all the way to paralysis, though this is extremely rare. Certain changes can be seen on an electrocardiogram (EKG) when the potassium level is elevated. A blood test is the only way to determine potassium levels, and this test is routinely performed in those with kidney disease or medical conditions that can lead to elevated potassium and in patients taking drugs known to raise the potassium level.
Learn more in the Everyday Health Healthy Living Center.
Last Updated: 5/3/2010