Hyperkalemia

What is Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is when you have too much potassium in your blood. Potassium helps your body in many ways, but having too much can cause problems. If there is too much potassium in your blood, it can affect how your heart works.

Potassium is normally removed from your body by your kidneys. Many things can cause the amount in your blood to be high. Medicines and other treatments can be used to bring the amount to a normal level. Treatment may need to be done in the hospital.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
  • Do not take any of the following unless your doctor says it is okay:
    • Supplements.
    • Natural products.
    • Herbs.
    • Vitamins.
  • Limit how much alcohol you drink as told by your doctor.
  • Do not use drugs. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
  • If you have kidney disease, you may need to follow a low-potassium diet. A food specialist (dietitian) can help you.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

  • Your heartbeat is not regular or is very slow.
  • You feel dizzy (light-headed).
  • You feel weak.
  • You feel sick to your stomach (nauseous).
  • You have tingling in your hands or feet.
  • You lose feeling (have numbness) in your hands or feet.

Get help right away if:

  • You are short of breath.
  • You have chest pain.
  • You pass out (faint).
  • You cannot move your muscles.

Summary

  • Hyperkalemia is when you have too much potassium in your blood.
  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
  • Limit how much alcohol you drink as told by your doctor.
  • Contact a doctor if your heartbeat is not regular.
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