fullcortex.net

( 1999 )
-I’ve been told that I have a very high potassium level. What does this mean? What problems might cause this? How serious is it?-

First, I assume that you’re referring to the potassium level in your blood and not in a urine specimen. One possible cause of a report of high potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia) is related to a breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis) that sometimes occurs during or after removal of a blood specimen. Red blood cells are high in potassium content, and if potassium is released into the serum of the specimen that’s been drawn, the report of a high potassium level is accurate as measured, but it’s not the result of disease. A repeat of the blood test may resolve this issue.
There are many possible causes of true hyperkalemia. Basically, it results when your intake of potassium exceeds the loss from your body. One cause is impaired kidney function in which your body is unable to eliminate potassium in the urine in amounts necessary to maintain a normal level. Another is the use of drugs that cause your kidneys to hold onto potassium, such as ACE inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics. If potassium supplements are taken in excess of your kidneys’ ability to remove them, a high level in the blood also may result. Destruction of blood cells within the body, such as from burns, major trauma or a transfusion reaction also can increase your potassium level. Rare conditions such as adrenal failure (Addison’s disease) and some forms of congenital kidney disease also increase potassium in the blood.
As the level of potassium in your blood rises to abnormal levels, the function of your heart is impaired. Extremely high potassium levels can lead to a life-threatening medical emergency. There are ways to treat hyperkalemia if the primary cause can’t be corrected or eliminated. The first step is to determine the cause of the problem.