In our second blog in our potassium disorders series, we’ll explain hyperkalemia and hypokalemia so you can understand how these disorders are characterized and why they are of concern.
We’ll discuss hyperkalemia (high potassium) and then hypokalemia (low potassium), covering the following topics regarding each:
- Definition
- Causes
- Signs and Symptoms
- Diagnostic Tests
- Treatment Approaches
We’ll conclude the blog by reiterating the importance of scheduling regular check-ups with your doctor and being aware of any new or worsening symptoms that could indicate a potential issue with your potassium levels and, in turn, how your kidneys are functioning.
Balancing Act: Unraveling Potassium Disorders – Hyperkalemia and Hypokalemia
Florida Kidney Physicians (FKP) want to bring potassium disorders to your attention so you can understand the detrimental effects that can occur if you have too much or too little potassium in your blood. This blog post will address two significant potassium disorders: hyperkalemia (high potassium) and hypokalemia (low potassium). We’ll cover the causes, signs and symptoms, and implications of each.
Whether you’re a patient seeking guidance from Florida Kidney Physicians—or you’ve landed on this blog post as part of your research into potassium disorders—we welcome you to our FKP Kidney Health blog. We’re inspired by patients like you who strive to educate themselves so they can make well-informed decisions about their health.
Explanation of Hyperkalemia (High Potassium)
Too much potassium in your blood is known as hyperkalemia. The prefix “hyper” means “over.”
Defining Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia is a potassium disorder characterized by elevated levels of potassium in the blood. Blood tests can reveal if your potassium levels exceed the normal range of 5.2 mEq/L. If that’s the case, you may wonder what has caused your blood to retain excess potassium.
Causes of Hyperkalemia
Since your kidneys help regulate potassium, a high potassium level could be caused by an underlying kidney disease or condition that has impaired your kidney function. The medications you’ve been prescribed could also be behind your high numbers; certain blood pressure medications, potassium-sparing diuretics, and antibiotics have been known to raise potassium levels. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also elevate potassium levels, and the same can be said about herbal supplements with diuretic properties. Another potential cause? You may have Addison’s disease, a rare condition in which your adrenal glands don’t make enough cortisol and aldosterone, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances. Another cause involves a diet that’s too high in potassium-rich foods.
Signs and Symptoms
If you have hyperkalemia, you may experience muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling. Some people even develop arrhythmias, which means that your heart beats irregularly. Severe hyperkalemia can be life-threatening, especially because too much potassium has the ability to disrupt your heart’s delicate electrical balance. Your heart relies on a precise balance of electrolytes to maintain its rhythm, so if you have chest pain, heart palpitations, or any other disconcerting signs that might be pointing to a heart issue, call 911 immediately.
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic tests can determine if you have too much potassium in your blood. Visiting your doctor regularly allows your doctor to order blood tests—these tests provide insight into your potassium levels, how your kidneys are functioning, and more. We can’t stress enough how important it is to regularly monitor your potassium levels, especially if you have been diagnosed with a kidney disease or are at risk of developing one (perhaps, for example, you have a family history of kidney disease or certain genetic factors).
Treatment Approaches
If blood tests reveal that you have hyperkalemia, your doctor or nephrologist will discuss what you need to do to protect your kidneys and your heart. You may be asked to modify your diet, and/or your doctor may need to stop, adjust, or change your medications. In severe cases, dialysis or another intensive intervention must be used to remove excess potassium from your bloodstream. Your doctor will discuss the treatment approach that will be best for you.
Explanation of Hypokalemia (Low Potassium)
If you don’t have enough potassium in your blood, you’ll be diagnosed with hypokalemia. In medical terms, the prefix “hypo” means “under or below.”
Defining Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia is the opposite of hyperkalemia—instead of having too much potassium in your blood, you don’t have enough. If blood tests reveal a number that falls below 3.6 mEq/L, you’ll need to increase your potassium intake.
Causes of Hypokalemia
Similar to hyperkalemia, some of the most common causes of this condition include kidney disorders and certain medications, including diuretics. It’s also possible that your hypokalemia is being caused by excessive fluid loss. Continuous vomiting or diarrhea causes your body to lose essential electrolytes, including potassium. Another possible cause of hypokalemia is that you have a metabolic condition (such as a renal tubular disorder) that makes it difficult for your body to retain potassium—essentially, it’s eliminating potassium rather than storing it.
Signs and Symptoms
Take note that the signs and symptoms of hypokalemia mirror the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia: muscle cramps, weakness, fatigue, and irregular heartbeats. These signs and symptoms need to be addressed because your body needs potassium to function optimally—if there isn’t enough in your bloodstream, your cells won’t be able to sustain their electrical and chemical balances. Ignoring these signs and symptoms will only allow them to escalate, which could lead to life-threatening consequences.
Diagnostic Tests
As with hyperkalemia, hypokalemia can be diagnosed through blood tests. If your potassium level falls below the normal range, your doctor will treat this result with urgency. It’s crucial that your care team identifies and quickly addresses the underlying cause of hypokalemia so an effective treatment plan can be established sooner rather than later.
Treatment Approaches
If your doctor diagnoses you with hypokalemia, you should expect to pay close attention to your diet. Your doctor will most likely ask you to increase your potassium intake; this helpful chart provided by Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) identifies potassium-rich that you should be able to easily incorporate into your diet. Your doctor will also closely review your list of medications to determine if any changes need to be made. You may also need to undergo further diagnostic testing so your doctor can identify any underlying conditions that could be contributing to your low potassium levels.
Empowering Through Understanding
By defining hyperkalemia and hypokalemia—plus sharing the common causes, symptoms and signs, diagnostic tests, and treatment approaches of each condition—we have given you an in-depth overview of these potassium disorders. After you undergo blood tests, you’ll want to see a potassium level that falls in the normal range, which is 3.5 to 5.2 mEq/L. If your levels fall above or below that, your doctor will diagnose you with hyperkalemia or hypokalemia, respectively. Each condition is different, but they do have some similarities that we’ve highlighted in this post. One of the biggest similarities is that both potassium disorders can put excess strain on your kidneys, so it’s important to understand these disorders so you can remain vigilant about your kidney health and, if necessary, seek timely treatment if you observe any symptoms of hyperkalemia or hypokalemia.
As always, we strongly recommend that you maintain an open line of communication with your healthcare providers so you can continue to receive personalized care and useful guidance. Florida Kidney Physicians is here to help you prioritize your kidney health. We want to be a resource, a confidant, and an ally as you take all the proactive steps necessary toward safeguarding your kidney function so you can remain healthy and active for years to come.