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Hyperkalemia



Hyperkalemia Causes


Some of the main causes of Hyperkalemia includes kidney dysfunction, adrenal glands diseases, medications, and potassium that sifts out of the cells and into blood circulation.


Hyperkalemia Definition


Hyperkalemia is a condition in which there is an excessive level of electrolyte potassium in the blood. Severely high levels of potassium in blood may lead to ?cardiac arrest' and even death. Although mild hyperkalemia may have limited effect on one's heart, moderate condition may produce changes in EKG, and severe cases may cause the suppression of the heart's electrical activity that may cause one's heart to stop beating.


Hyperkalemia Diagnosis


Hyperkalemia is diagnosed mainly by blood tests; the concentration of potassium in blood is determined. If the doctor suspects Hyperkalemia, then ECG is often done.


Hyperkalemia Symptoms and Signs


The condition may be asymptomatic, which means it won't have symptoms. However, some affected individuals report slight symptoms that include fatigue, nausea, tingling sensations, and muscle weakness. More severe symptoms will include weak pulse and slow heartbeat.


Hyperkalemia Treatment


The treatment of the condition should be individualized basing on underlying cause, symptom severity, emergence of ECG changes, and overall health of affected individual. Hyperkalemia treatments may include low-potassium diet, intravenous calcium, intravenous insulin and glucose, administration of sodium bicarbonate, diuretic administration, other medications, and the discontinuance of medicines that increase levels of potassium in blood.


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