metabolic

Hyperkalaemia

Hyperkalemia is an elevated level of (K+) in the blood. Normal potassium levels are between 3.5 and 5.0 mmol/L (3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L) with levels above 5.5 mmol/L defined as hyperkalemia. Typically hyperkalemia does not cause symptoms. Occasionally when severe it can cause , muscle pain, muscle weakness, or numbness. Hyperkalemia can cause an abnormal heart rhythm which can result in and death.

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Symptoms — what it feels like

·, muscle pain, muscle weakness, numbness

Causes — why it happens

·Kidney failure, hypoaldosteronism, rhabdomyolysis, certain medications

How it's found

·Blood > 5.5mmol/L,

Treatment

·Medications, low diet, hemodialysis

Complications

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Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.