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.
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:
- Muscle weakness.
- Weakness, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain.
- Irregular heart rhythms, called arrhythmias.
- Nausea or vomiting.
Show References
- Hyperkalemia (high potassium) National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/what-hyperkalemia. Accessed May 30, 2024.
- Potassium, serum. Mayo Medical Laboratories. https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/602352. Accessed May 30, 2024.
- Potassium test. https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/potassium/tab/test/. Accessed May 30, 2024.
- Mount DB. Causes and evaluation of hyperkalemia in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 30, 2024.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/hyperkalemia/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050776