Hyperkalemia is the medical term for a potassium level in the blood that's higher than is healthy. Potassium is a chemical that nerve and muscle cells need to work. This includes the nerve and muscle cells of the heart. The kidneys help control the amount of potassium in the blood.
A healthy blood potassium level is 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Having a blood potassium level higher than 6.0 mmol/L can be a danger. It most often needs treatment right away.
The most common cause of true high potassium, also called hyperkalemia, is linked to the kidneys. Causes might include:
Some medicines or supplements can cause of hyperkalemia, including:
Other causes of hyperkalemia include these conditions:
If you have symptoms of hyperkalemia, call your healthcare professional right away. This is especially true if you have kidney disease or are taking medicines that raise your potassium level.
Sudden or severe hyperkalemia is serious. It can be life-threatening. Symptoms may include:
