Signs of Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is an abnormally high level of potassium in the blood. Because severe hyperkalemia can be life-threatening, you should seek treatment for even mild cases. Unfortunately, however, hyperkalemia often does not cause symptoms until blood levels are very high. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), insufficient kidney function causes most cases.

Hyperkalemia Symptoms

• Signs of hyperkalemia include fatigue, muscle weakness, nausea and tingling sensations on the skin.

Serious Symptoms

• More serious hyperkalemia symptoms include a slow or irregular heartbeat, changes in breathing and loss of consciousness.

Warning

• A rapid rise in potassium to dangerous levels can cause a fatal cardiac arrest.

ECG Indications

• Signs of hyperkalemia can appear on an electrocardiogram as arrhythmia, a slow heartbeat or a cardiac blockage.

Blood Test

• Your physician may diagnose hyperkalemia after a routine blood test, when it is indicated by high serum potassium levels.