Often, chronic high levels of potassium (a condition known as hyperkalemia) are a symptom of kidney failure. However, they can also be caused by some drugs, by serious injuries, by acute diabetic crises (called "diabetic ketoacidosis") and by other factors. A very high concentration of potassium can be fatal, so it is a condition that requires the attention of a medical professional.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Treating High Potassium Levels
Step 1. High potassium levels are often caused by kidney disease or drug use
There are other causes, but these two are by far the most common. Treatments for hyperkalemia aim to reduce potassium levels in the blood through excretion with urine.
- Start by having a blood test, which will need to be evaluated by your doctor, to confirm high potassium levels. It is difficult to arrive at this diagnosis on the basis of symptoms alone, so a blood test is very important before starting any treatment.
- Other less common but equally important causes leading to high potassium levels are certain "states of hyperglycemia" (known as "diabetic ketoacidosis"), which can occur in patients with severe diabetes or in those who have sustained extensive injuries. often due to accidents.
Step 2. Get an EKG
Too high a level of potassium in the blood can be so dangerous to your heart health (heart symptoms are also among the most significant in diagnosing this condition) that your doctor will ask you to undergo an electrocardiogram (a test that evaluate your heart rate and pulse regularity) as soon as possible.
- If your blood potassium level is only slightly above the limit, your doctor may choose a conservative treatment approach and ask you to repeat the test in the future.
- The EKG results will give your doctor a lot of valuable information about your heart's current state of health. They will not only be useful for diagnosing hyperkalemia, but also for assessing the urgency of treatment, because the doctor will choose the most appropriate therapy according to the state of health of your heart (and the potential dangers for this organ due to excess potassium)..
Step 3. Check the list of medications you are currently taking with your doctor
You may be taking a medicine that causes hyperkalaemia. Your doctor will then advise you to change medication or reduce doses. In addition, he may advise you to stop taking potassium supplements or multivitamins that contain this mineral.
- If your blood potassium level is very high, your doctor will order you to stop taking any medications that may be contributing to your condition immediately to speed up your recovery.
- Discontinuing the use of drugs is not sufficient treatment for more severe cases of hyperkalaemia.
Step 4. Get an IV in
If the potassium level in your blood is so high that you need more urgent medical treatment, your doctor will ask a nurse to give you a drip to give you the medications you need more efficiently and effectively.
- Your doctor will suggest that you take intravenous calcium, usually 500-3000 mg, one dose at a time, at a rate of 0.2-2 ml per minute.
- Your doctor may recommend that you take resin, which will help your body eliminate potassium in your stool. The typical dose is 50 grams, to be taken orally or together with 30 ml of sorbitol.
- If your doctor thinks it is necessary, you will need to take insulin or glucose to move the potassium to the cells where it should be. The most common dose of insulin is 10 units intravenously, while the most common dose of glucose is 50ml of 50% solution (D50W). They are usually given with an IV bag over 5 minutes, at 15-30 minute intervals, for 2-6 hours.
Step 5. Ask about diuretics
Such drugs can be given to eliminate excess potassium in the urine. You can take them orally, in dosages of 0.5-2 mg, once or twice a day, or intravenously in doses of 0.5-1 mg. Your doctor may repeat the administration of 2 doses after 2-3 hours.
Note that this treatment is not sufficient in more severe situations, but it can be very useful for mild cases of hyperkalemia
Step 6. Undergo hemodialysis
If you have kidney failure or if the potassium level in your blood is very high, hemodialysis is the best treatment option. This is a therapy where a machine removes waste, including excess potassium, that your kidneys are unable to clear from your blood.
Step 7. Stay under the observation of doctors after treatment
After receiving treatment for hyperkalemia, it is very important that the potassium level in your blood is constantly monitored to ensure that it remains within safe limits. Normally, patients who receive this type of treatment stay in the hospital for a short time and remain under observation, connected to a heart rate monitor (which monitors your heart function), until the doctor thinks they can go home safely.
Hyperkalemia is a potentially fatal disease, mainly due to the effect it has on the heart. Consequently, observation after treatment is essential. In some cases, this hospitalization period can mean the difference between life and death, as your doctor will be able to quickly discover any "relapses"
Step 8. Change your diet
To prevent cases of hyperkalemia from happening again, it is good to follow a diet that contains less than 2 g of potassium per day. However, it is important to note that eating potassium-rich foods is rarely the cause of this condition. As mentioned earlier, the most common causes are kidney disease and the use of drugs.
Part 2 of 2: Recognizing the Symptoms
Step 1. Look out for cardiac symptoms
Too much potassium can interfere with the functioning of the heart, causing symptoms such as arrhythmia, palpitations or skipped beats, and eventually cardiac arrest. If you have reason to believe that you are suffering from any of these heart symptoms, see a doctor right away.
Step 2. Watch out for nausea and vomiting
High potassium levels can lead to stomach agitation, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can lead to dehydration.
Step 3. Notice signs of fatigue and weakness
Potassium promotes muscle function, so if your blood levels of this mineral are too high, or too low, your muscles can weaken, making you feel drained, tired and lethargic. This sensation may be made worse by other symptoms, particularly vomiting.
Step 4. Watch for numbness or tingling sensations
These symptoms are also related to muscle activity. You can notice these sensations first in the extremities (hands and feet) and then around the mouth; they can be followed by muscle spasms. Seek medical attention if you have such symptoms.
Step 5. Remember that you may not have any symptoms
Many people have no symptoms and only discover they have hyperkalemia after a blood test.
