{"id":12779,"date":"2020-04-07T05:28:51","date_gmt":"2020-04-07T05:28:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=12779"},"modified":"2021-07-02T15:35:29","modified_gmt":"2021-07-02T15:35:29","slug":"14-common-causes-of-high-potassium","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-common-causes-of-high-potassium\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Causes of High Potassium"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Everyone who loves bananas or coconut water is probably getting enough potassium. This mineral is an electrolyte which can quench thirst, hydrate the body and regulate the body. Potassium has a host of health benefits, but like any other vitamin or mineral, it is best not to overdo it. There can be significant harm in getting too much potassium. Excessive amounts of  this nutrient can strain the kidneys which remove excess potassium in the blood. In extreme cases, too much potassium can lead to a heart attack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chronically getting too much potassium can lead to a condition called hyperkalemia. Many people do not realize they have hyperkalemia, and it is important to make sure you do not develop this condition to maintain healthy heart and kidney function. If hyperkalemia goes untreated, it can lead to significant health problems. If you feel you may have excess potassium in your system, speak to a physician. 
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1. Acute Kidney Failure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The kidneys work hard to filter out impurities from the blood. In addition to toxins and other unhealthy substances, the kidneys <\/a>also deal with excessive potassium. When there is kidney dysfunctions, the kidneys can no longer remove the extra potassium and it builds up. If potassium levels are very high, it may not be that you are eating too many bananas, but that the kidneys have stopped working to deal with potassium in the blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acute kidney failure is also known as acute renal failure and can take place suddenly, in a matter of days. It often occurs as a complication related to other ailments, and is common among people who are already hospitalized. The fatality rates from acute kidney failure are high, but there is a chance of recovery among people who have been in good health up to the time of the onset of kidney problems. 
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2. Chronic Kidney Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you test very high for potassium, one possibility may not be a problem with your diet but with kidney function. The kidneys cleanse the body of excess materials such as toxins and electrolytes, such as potassium<\/a>. If the kidneys no longer function properly, the waste builds up in the body. There may be problems with excretion and difficulties with urination. Unlike acute kidney failure, which has a rapid onset, chronic kidney disease can happen gradually, and the loss of function may not be noticed until it becomes quite pronounced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If chronic kidney disease is not treated or becomes worse, it may not be possible to excrete waste properly without dialysis. In some cases, a kidney transplant may be needed. Those with chronic kidney disease may be given a special diet that will be difficult for the kidneys to excrete. The patient may be encouraged to cut down on potassium and other electrolytes. 
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3. Addison\u2019s Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If potassium levels are too high in the blood, the cause may be Addison\u2019s disease<\/a>, a rare medical problem that is also known as adrenal insufficiency. This condition happens when the body\u2019s ability to produce the right type of hormones. The adrenal glands, which are found close to the kidneys produce insufficient amounts of cortisol and aldosterone.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Addison’s disease occurs in all age groups and both sexes, and can be life-threatening. Treatment involves taking hormones to replace those that are missing. This problem can arise unexpectedly and may not even be noticed until another physical problem can clue the sufferer into the real nature of the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to high potassium levels, some of the most common symptoms may include tiredness, a sudden darkening of the skin, low blood pressure and low blood sugar. Both of the latter conditions can lead to fainting and dizziness. Someone suffering from Addison\u2019s disease may have an exaggerated craving for salty foods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, they may lose weight and find they have little or no appetite. There may also be joint pains, gastrointestinal problems, irritability.  Hormone replacement can solve Addison’s disease, but it can be hard to detect this condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

High blood pressure is a common problem that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. As a result, many people are on special medications to lower blood pressure<\/a> when diet and exercise is not enough to solve the problem completely. However, many medications have side effects, and one of the side effects of Angiotensin II receptor blockers is hyperkalemia. Angiotensin is produced by the body and is a chemical that narrows the blood vessels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the blood vessels are narrow, the blood flowing through them creates pressure. Angiotensin II receptor blockers counteract the effect of angiotensin and can relieve high blood pressure. There are many types of Angiotensin II receptor blockers, and they have numerous benefits in addition to reversing hypertension. These blockers also help reverse and slow the development of kidney disease. Unfortunately, those prone to hyperkalemia should avoid taking this medication for high blood pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people who have suffered from heart attacks, coronary artery disease, or kidney disease can benefit from taking ACE inhibitors to relieve high blood pressure. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of ACE Inhibitors was hyperkalemia<\/a>. ACE inhibitors keep an enzyme from making angiotensin II, which narrows the blood vessels. If the vessels are too narrow and there isn\u2019t enough room for blood to flow, blood pressure increases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This medication can cause potassium levels in the blood to be elevated, and may have other side effects such as a dry cough, dizziness and low blood pressure. For those who are vulnerable to hyperkalemia or have kidney problems and are suffering from hypertension, it may be useful to ask a physician for other ways to relieve high blood pressure. HIgh potassium, like hypertension, can lead to heart failure, so it is important to take hyperkalemia seriously and try to find alternative medications when needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Dehydration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many of us are dehydrated and don\u2019t even know it. When we feel thirsty, we are probably already somewhat dehydrated. Although electrolytes such as potassium can help hydrate the body, dehydration <\/a>can also cause elevated potassium levels. The mineral can become concentrated in excessive amounts when there are irregularities with hydration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Potassium is one of the minerals that act as electrolytes, which means it is made of molecules with electrical charges that govern muscle movement, heart rate, Since the mineral is found in the interior of cells, any alteration in potassium levels in the bloodstream can have an effect inside the cells. Dehydration can have a number of symptoms, such as fatigue and dizziness. The lips may be dry and there may be less urine than usual and nausea. It is important to stay hydrated at all times, especially in the summer. Coconut water, which contains potassium and other electrolytes can help hydrate the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Beta Blockers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Like many blood pressure medications, Beta blockers can also lead to elevated potassium levels. Some of these medications cause the blood vessels to open up and relieve the tension that leads to high blood pressure. Beta blockers actually slow down the heart rate as a way of relieving hypertension<\/a>. This is done by slowing the release of certain hormones, such as adrenaline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beta blockers often are not a first choice to lower blood pressure, and often are prescribed only when other medications have not succeeded in relieving hypertension. This medication is used to treat irregular heartbeat, chest pain, heart attacks  and similar conditions. Beta blockers can cause an increase in potassium levels in the blood and can also chills, weight gain and insomnia. Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise should be attempted to lower blood pressure as well as other medications if you are prone to elevated potassium levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Hemolytic Anemia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are several forms of anemia <\/a>that can be caused by not getting sufficient amounts of iron to the sudden destruction of red blood cells. If red blood cells are being killed at a faster rate than the bone marrow can produce more, hemolytic anemia results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This type of anemia arises from abrupt changes in the production of blood cells rather than other factors, such as malnourishment or genetics, which can trigger other types of anemia. Infections and autoimmune conditions can also be responsible for causing this condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hemolytic anemia can lead to elevated potassium levels in the blood. Red blood cells have high levels of potassium, and if there are fewer red blood cells, the concentration of potassium can actually be higher than if there is a sufficient amount of red blood cells. Those with hemolytic anemia and other types of anemia should be tested regularly for elevated potassium levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Diabetes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Diabetes<\/a>, a condition that occurs when the hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, is not able to deal with glucose properly, is often associated with high levels of potassium. The reason is not immediately obvious, and researchers have been devoting much energy and time to understand the causes for this link. Diabetes is caused by the body\u2019s inability to break down sugars and to use them as energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

High levels of insulin and low levels of potassium are often associated with certain types of diabetes, but there are some stages of Type 2 diabetes that are connected with elevated potassium levels. In addition to dysfunction in the pancreas, diabetics often diminished kidney function. In many cases, the kidney is not able to release potassium into the urine. Not only does potassium cease to move out of the cells regularly, but potassium cannot leave the body properly, and hyperkalemia can result. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Excessive use of Potassium Supplements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Potassium is an electrolyte that has a host of health benefits. This mineral helps regulate the heartbeat and ensure the body is hydrated properly. People with high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat may feel they should take potassium supplements to improve their cardiovascular health. Athletes may be encouraged to go to the next level and not just have a banana before working out, but should reach for potassium supplements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, many experts recommend not taking potassium supplements in these cases because of the risks involved, including heart problems and hyperkalemia. It is better to get additional potassium <\/a>from foods such as bananas, sweet potatoes, avocados, cantaloupes, spinach and coconut milk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The risks of developing health problems because of excessive potassium are too great for most people to be safe taking potassium supplements. The potassium most of us get from the foods we eat every day is usually sufficient to regulate the heartbeat and stay hydrated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Congestive Heart Failure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Congestive heart failure is a serious disease in which the heart ceases normal functioning. This can lead to many health problems, including the risk of hyperkalemia and hypokalemia. The normal levels of potassium in the bloodstream are disrupted because of this condition, and an excess or not not enough potassium can be the result of congestive heart failure<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These levels may fluctuate from not enough to too much in a brief amount of time and can disrupt heart functioning. Hyperkalemia can result from the condition itself or as the result of consuming medications that can elevate potassium levels such as beta blockers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hyperkalemia can result from these medications and can also be the cause of the worsening of congestive heart failure, since potassium controls the electrical signals that govern the heart beat. Too much potassium can cause the heart to beat too fast and can lead to cardiac arrest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Alcoholism and Substance Abuse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to causing a large number of health problems, alcohol and drug abuse are linked to hyperkalemia. An alcoholic <\/a>may consume an excessive amount of drinks that are high in potassium, such as red wine. This may cause a temporarily high level of potassium in the blood, but the more long-term problem results from the breakdown of muscle tissue. Alcoholics usually neglect to eat properly and suffer from malnourishment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, some alcohol and drugs block the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. To nourish itself, the body breaks down muscle tissue, and as a result, large amounts of minerals, such as potassium, are released into the bloodstream. If this continues, alcoholics may develop hyperkalemia, which can disrupt their heartbeat. Drug and alcohol use may also disrupt the heartbeat, and a combination of factors could lead to a heart attack or a stroke, particularly if someone tries to go off alcohol too quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. HIV Infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Those who are infected with HIV may experience electrolyte disturbances as the levels of minerals in their body fluctuate. As a result, these patients may experience hyperkalemia, or too much potassium, or hypokalemia, too little potassium. Irregularities in potassium levels can cause the heart to either race quickly and the heartbeat to become too fast, as may be the case with hyperkalemia, or the heart may beat too slowly, which is a symptom of hypokalemia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

HIV <\/a>patients with these disturbances are usually those who are in an advanced stage of illness and are already hospitalized. In some cases, the electrolyte imbalance is caused by medications those with HIV may be taking for high blood pressure. Those with HIV have a diminished ability to reset imbalances and to fight off infections. Therefore, imbalances of electrolytes commonly result as the blood is not as efficient in regulating abnormalities.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Blood Transfusions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hyperkalemia can often result from blood transfusions because of certain processes that occur in stored blood. When blood is taken from a donor and stored, potassium levels in the blood increase because stored blood has a slowed ATP production. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ATP is an organic compound that encourages many of the body\u2019s most important processes, such as muscle movement and chemical synthesis. When ATP production slows down, there is an excess of potassium in the blood. In addition, potassium leaks into red blood cells when blood is stored and can create a higher risk of hyperkalemia<\/a> in the person receiving the blood transfusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those who specialize in blood transfusion are aware of these risks and are alert to any problems that can result, including hyperkalemia. However, if the problem is not addressed, cardiac arrest can result. One way to prevent this is for those involved in storing blood to monitor supplies on a regular basis and to check the patient for signs of hyperkalemia
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