Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia: causes, symptoms and treatment

Hyperkalemia is a medical condition characterized by elevated levels of potassium in the blood. Potassium is one of the body's essential electrolytes and plays an important role in the normal functioning of the heart, muscles and nervous system. However, excess potassium can lead to serious health problems.

Causes of hyperkalemia:

1. Kidney failure: Potassium is usually excreted from the body through the kidneys. Therefore, when kidney function is impaired, potassium can accumulate in the body, causing hyperkalemia.
2. Certain medications: Certain medications, such as some diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), and some drugs used to treat pain and inflammation, may increase potassium levels in the blood.
3. Potassium Overdose: If you receive too much potassium through food or intravenously, your blood potassium levels may increase.
4. Other medical conditions: Hyperkalemia may be associated with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, adrenal disease, burns or injury, and certain inherited conditions.

Symptoms of hyperkalemia:
In the initial stages, hyperkalemia may occur without any noticeable symptoms. However, if potassium levels in the blood are elevated for a long time, the following symptoms may occur:

1. Weakness and fatigue
2. Paralysis or numbness
3. Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia
4. Hard breath
5. Edema

Treatment of hyperkalemia:
Treatment for hyperkalemia depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, hospitalization and medical intervention may be required. Here are some common treatments:

1. Diet changes: Eliminating potassium-rich foods from your diet may help lower your blood levels.
2. Drug therapy: Your doctor may prescribe medications to help lower potassium levels in the blood or improve potassium removal from the body.
3. Dialysis: In cases of severe kidney failure or critically elevated potassium levels, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis may be required to remove excess potassium from the blood.

Hyperkalemia is a serious condition that requires attention and treatment. If you suspect or experience symptoms of hyperkalemia, consult your doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Please remember that this article does not replace specialist advice and is for informational purposes only.

Hyperkalemia is a pathological increase in the concentration of potassium in the blood and urine.

At the same time, the excitability of nerve cells and myocardium increases, the activity of mitochondria is inhibited, which leads to severe metabolic and functional disorders in all organs and tissues, primarily in the myocardium. Severe types of metabolic arrhythmias provoke ventricular fibrillation (ventricular fibrillation-flutter), after which cardiogenic shock develops.