Hyperkalemia Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Hyperkalemia is a state of excess electrolyte potassium in the blood. Under normal circumstances, the level of potassium in the blood is 3.5–5.0 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/liter). The condition of blood potassium above 5.0 mEq/liter is a condition of hyperkalemia.
Based on its value, a potassium level of 5.1–6.0 mEq/liter is considered mild hyperkalemia, a potassium level of 6.1–7.0 mEq/liter is moderate hyperkalemia. Meanwhile, if the potassium level is above 7.0 mEq/liter, it is considered a condition of severe hyperkalemia.
Basically, potassium has several functions in the human body. The role of potassium among them is to contribute to muscle contraction, heart rate, and intestinal peristalsis. However, if the level of potassium in the blood is excessive, muscle contractions, heart rate, and intestinal peristalsis will be disrupted.
Symptom
In conditions of mild hyperkalemia, the body usually does not show any symptoms. However, the higher the potassium level, the following symptoms will appear:
• Easily tired and weak
• Numbness or tingling of arms and legs
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or palpitations
• Irregular heartbeat
• In severe hyperkalemia, the heart may stop beating
Reason
There are several causes of hyperkalemia. However, the most common cause is kidney failure. Under normal circumstances, the kidneys work to excrete potassium through the urine. In conditions of kidney failure, the kidney function does not work anymore.
In addition, other causes of hyperkalemia are:
• Dehydration
• Type 1 diabetes mellitus
• Adrenal gland disorders (Addison’s disease)
• Side effects of certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure, some types of chemotherapy drugs, and certain supplements.
Diagnosis
To determine the presence of hyperkalemia, the doctor will conduct an history or medical interview and physical examination. The examination that will be carried out is a potassium examination from the blood. If the potassium level is very high, an examination of the heart record (electrocardiography / EKG) is also needed to determine the possibility of complications of hyperkalemia to the heart.
Treatment
The main goal of treating hyperkalemia is to reduce potassium levels in the blood. In addition, treatment is also carried out to prevent the heart from experiencing rhythm disturbances or stopping beating.
In cases of severe hyperkalemia, the main treatment is dialysis, or medically known as hemodialysis. This action is the fastest action to reduce blood potassium to normal conditions. In addition, several drugs can also be used, such as calcium gluconate, diuretics, and insulin.
Hyperkalemia sufferers should also avoid foods that are high in potassium, including bananas, nuts, milk, potatoes, liver, and beef.
Prevention
Not all hyperkalemia can be prevented. The most common cause of hyperkalemia is renal failure. Maintaining blood sugar levels and blood pressure in normal circumstances will prevent kidney failure, and will indirectly prevent hyperkalemia.