What happens if your potassium is high?
What happens if your potassium is high?
Having too much potassium in your blood can be dangerous. Potassium affects the way your heart’s muscles work. When you have too much potassium, your heart may beat irregularly, which in the worst cases, can cause heart attack. If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911 for emergency help.
What causes potassium levels to be high?
The leading causes of hyperkalemia are chronic kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes, dehydration, having had severe bleeding, consuming excessive dietary potassium, and some medications. A doctor will typically diagnose hyperkalemia when levels of potassium are between 5.0–5.5 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/l).
What should I eat if my potassium is high?
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans , the highest-potassium foods per serving size are:
- sweet potato.
- tomato paste.
- beet greens.
- potato.
- white beans.
- yogurt.
What are the symptoms of an elevated potassium level?
Signs and symptoms. The symptoms of an elevated potassium level are nonspecific, and generally include malaise, palpitations, shortness of breath, and muscle weakness. Hyperventilation may indicate a compensatory response to metabolic acidosis, which is one of the possible causes of hyperkalemia .
What are the warning signs of low potassium?
Identifying the Signs. Watch for early warning signs. The first signs of moderately low potassium can be muscle aches, cramps and abnormal weakness ((including respiratory and gastrointestinal muscle weakness if severe).
What are the dangers of excess potassium?
There is no standard daily limit for potassium, but large amounts from supplements can be very dangerous, leading to hyperkalemia, a condition marked by too much potassium in the blood. It can lead to muscular problems and changes in your heart rhythms that can become fatal.
What are the symptoms of too much potassium in blood?
Mild symptoms of too much potassium include an upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating or gas. These side effects can occur when the amount of potassium in the blood stream is still considered safe.
