Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia – General Information

Hyperkalemia is a serious disease, which in some situations can even become a life-threatening condition. However, it is quite difficult to diagnose as it is not characterized by specific signs or symptoms. The reports have shown that this disease is likely to result in cardiac arrhythmias, a complication which leads to sudden death. This is the reason why, after the disease is finally diagnosed, the doctor has to perform an electrocardiogram in order to establish the risks for such a complication to appear. Hyperkalemia is described as a high concentration of potassium in the body. Potassium is an important ion of the human body. Most of the quantity of ion is found in the cells but, at the same time, the extra-cellular potassium is extremely important; the ratio between the intra-cellular and extra-cellular potassium gives information about the cellular potential of the membrane. Any modifications of the quantity of extra-cellular potassium can result in serious problems of the neuromuscular system and the cardiovascular system.

There are several causes which can lead to the modification of the quantity of extra-cellular potassium. The most common ones include the following: an impaired or decreased excretion of potassium, an additional quantity of potassium in the extra-cellular space as the result of potassium supplements or an improper blood collection. Hyperkalemia affects people all around the world and its frequency does not depend on the habitat, the race, the sex or the age. This disease should be treated carefully as it can lead to the appearance of some severe complications.

Hyperkalemia – Symptoms

In most of the cases, Hyperkalemia is quite difficult to diagnose as the sufferers present no signs or symptoms; in these conditions, the doctors have to identify the conditions which may predispose a person to the appearance of this disorder. As the reports have shown, this disorder is usually diagnosed accidentally, as the result of some laboratory tests. However, when some symptoms do appear, they are usually described as neurologic signs or cardiac signs. The most common symptoms which have been reported are the following: general fatigue, extreme weakness, paralysis, paresthesias and palpitations. However, a person does not have to wait until the appearance of one or more of the symptoms presented above, he should consult a doctor if he notices the presence of one or more of the following risk factors: a chronic or acute renal failure, burns, crash injuries, the presence of products high in potassium in his daily diet, the administration of certain medications (such as potassium supplements, anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers or succinylcholine) or the existence of a metabolic acidosis. If a certain person is suspect of developing Hyperkalemia, the doctor has to perform some tests in order to determine an exact diagnosis and, if necessary, the stage of the disease and any possible complications. The first test which should be done is an evaluation of the vital signs in order to determine the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. In addition, a cardiac examination can give important information about the existence of some other complications, such as bradycardia or extra-systoles.

Hyperkalemia – Treatment

If you notice the presence of any of the risk factors presented above or you develop any of the signs and symptoms associated with this disease, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. Apart from the elementary consultations and exams described above, your doctor should also consider one or more of the following tests: a test to determine the potassium level in the body, a test to determine the creatinine level (this will offer important information about the renal status), a test to determine the calcium level, a test to determine the glucose level or an urinalysis (in order to obtain information about a possible renal insufficiency). If the doctor suspects a more severe form of Hyperkalemia, he should also recommend one of the following examinations: a cardiac monitoring (in order to observe any disturbances of the heart rhythm), an ECG or a test to determine the level of aldosterone and cortisol (this test will provide information about any possible mineral-corticoid deficiencies). After Hyperkalemia is diagnosed, the doctor has multiple treatment options to choose from. However, the first measure which must be taken is the administration of medicines in order to stabilize the function of the heart and to eliminate the risk of a cardiac arrhythmia. The administration of medicines also supports the excretion of extra potassium and the movement of extra-cellular potassium back in the cells. The most common drugs which are used in the case of Hyperkalemia are: insulin (which helps the movement of extra-cellular potassium back in the cells), beta agonists, sodium bicarbonate, diuretics (which determines the excretion of extra potassium from the kidneys) and binding resins (which helps the exchange of sodium and potassium in the gastro-intestinal system). During the last few years, however, there have been promoted other alternative therapies in order to improve and even treat Hyperkalemia. These therapies offer support after the disorder is stabilized and during the treatment of the underlying problems which led to the appearance of the disease.

In most of the cases, those who suffer from this disease will be recommended a special diet. The sufferers have to avoid caffeine, alcohol, foods rich in fats, sugar and foods rich in potassium (potatoes, nuts, bananas, peaches, watermelon, tomatoes and salmon). In addition, the sufferers should try to drink more liquids, especially water, as the appearance of dehydration can worsen the disease. Another thing which can be recommended to the patients is the fact that they should consume only small amounts of proteins and, as far as possible, only fish and vegetable proteins. In order to improve the tone and the strength of the body, the patients should use herbs; they can be used as glycerites (glycerine extracts), as dried extracts (teas, capsules or powders) or as tinctures (alcohol extracts). However, the patients should try to avoid the following herbs: dandelion, nettle, alfalfa, horsetail, lily of the valley, milkweed, hawthorn, Siberian ginseng or foxglove. Other alternative therapies which can be used in the case of those who suffer from Hyperkalemia are: acupuncture, homeopathy and massage.