People with hyperkalemia have high potassium levels in their blood. Signs like fatigue and muscle weakness are easy to dismiss. A low-potassium diet and medication changes often bring potassium numbers to a safe level. An extremely high potassium level can cause a heart attack and requires immediate medical care. Show
OverviewWhat is hyperkalemia (high potassium)?Hyperkalemia occurs when potassium levels in your blood get too high. Potassium is an essential nutrient found in foods. This nutrient helps your nerves and muscles function. But too much potassium in your blood can damage your heart and cause a heart attack. You can’t always tell when your potassium levels are high. What is a safe or normal potassium level?A typical potassium level for an adult falls between 3.5 and 5.0 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Hyperkalemia occurs when levels go above 5.5 mmol/L. A reading above 6.5 mmol/L can cause heart problems that require immediate medical attention. Who might have hyperkalemia (high potassium)?Anyone can get hyperkalemia, even children. You may be more at risk if you have:
Symptoms and CausesWhat causes hyperkalemia (high potassium)?Your kidneys filter potassium from the foods and drinks you consume. Your body gets rid of excess potassium when you pee. With hyperkalemia, your body has too much potassium for your kidneys to remove. As a result, potassium builds up in your blood. In addition to conditions like kidney disease, these factors also contribute to hyperkalemia:
What are the symptoms of hyperkalemia (high potassium)?Many people with mild hyperkalemia have no signs or ones that are easy to dismiss. Symptoms often come and go and may come on gradually over weeks or months. Dangerously high potassium levels affect the heart and cause a sudden onset of life-threatening problems. Hyperkalemia symptoms include:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is hyperkalemia (high potassium) diagnosed?Because most people don’t have symptoms, you might not know you have high potassium until you get a routine blood test. A serum potassium test measures potassium levels in blood. Your healthcare provider may also order an electrocardiogram (EKG). This test shows changes in heart rhythm caused by hyperkalemia. Management and TreatmentWhat are the complications of hyperkalemia (high potassium)?Severe hyperkalemia can come on suddenly. It can cause life-threatening heart rhythm changes (arrhythmia) that cause a heart attack. Even mild hyperkalemia can damage your heart over time if you don’t get treatment. How is hyperkalemia (high potassium) managed or treated?Treatment varies depending on the potassium level. Options include:
PreventionHow can I prevent hyperkalemia (high potassium)?If you’ve had hyperkalemia or are at risk for it, a low-potassium diet is the best way to protect your health. You may need to cut back on, or completely cut out, certain high-potassium foods, such as:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat is the prognosis (outlook) for people who have hyperkalemia (high potassium)?Changes to your diet and medication often resolve mild cases of hyperkalemia. With the right care, most people don’t have long-term complications from hyperkalemia. Your healthcare provider may order more frequent blood tests to ensure your potassium levels stay within a healthy range. Living WithWhen should I call the doctor?You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
What questions should I ask my doctor?If you have hyperkalemia (high potassium), you may want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Because hyperkalemia rarely causes symptoms, you may be surprised when a blood test shows that your potassium levels are high. A low-potassium diet can protect your health. Your healthcare provider can determine how much potassium you need or connect you with a dietitian, if needed. A dietitian can help you create meal plans that ensure you get just the right amount of potassium in your diet. Your provider may also change your medications. Potassium levels that reach a dangerously high level can be life-threatening. If you’re at risk for hyperkalemia, your provider will closely monitor your potassium levels. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/05/2020. References
Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Related Institutes & ServicesGlickman Urological & Kidney InstituteThe Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute offers innovative treatments in urology and kidney medicine, including minimally invasive, scarless options for urologic procedures and medical management of kidney disease. More health news + infoShow More
Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest Snapchat ActionsAppointments & AccessAccepted InsuranceEvents CalendarFinancial AssistanceGive to Cleveland ClinicPay Your Bill OnlineRefer a PatientPhone DirectoryVirtual Second OpinionsVirtual VisitsBlog, News & AppsConsult QDHealth EssentialsNewsroomMyClevelandClinicMyChartAbout Cleveland Clinic100 Years of Cleveland ClinicAbout UsLocationsQuality & Patient SafetyOffice of Diversity & InclusionPatient ExperienceResearch & InnovationsCommunity CommitmentCareersFor EmployeesResources for Medical ProfessionalsSite Information & PoliciesSend Us FeedbackSite MapAbout this WebsiteCopyright, Reprint & LicensingWebsite Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyNotice of Privacy PracticesNon-Discrimination Notice9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 | 800.223.2273 | © 2022 Cleveland Clinic. All Rights Reserved. What foods decrease potassium in the body?Some low potassium options include:. rice milk.. coffee.. herbal tea.. sparkling water.. cakes and pies without chocolate or fruits high in potassium.. cookies without chocolate or nuts.. How can I lower my potassium naturally?There are two easy ways to naturally lower the amount of potassium you eat, which are: avoiding or limiting certain high potassium foods.. coffee.. fruit or vegetable juice (especially passion fruit and carrot juices). cider.. What should I eat if my potassium is too high?REDUCING. POTASSIUM IN. YOUR DIET. ... . Fruit. Higher potassium foods.. Apricot. Avocado. ... . All vegetables should be boiled, rather than steamed or microwaved. Boiling allows some of the potassium to leach into the water. ... . Asparagus. Artichoke. ... . Steamed, jacket or instant mashed. potatoes. ... . Dairy foods. Higher potassium foods.. Nuts. Seeds.. What drinks lower potassium levels?Lower potassium choices: Tea, herbal tea, squash or cordial, water, fizzy drinks. Spirits are lower in potassium than other alcoholic drinks. High potassium foods to limit: Limit milk to ½ pint per day (300ml).
|