Potassium at work

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, potassium is a mineral that helps kidneys function correctly. Potassium is an electrolyte, or a substance that conducts electricity in the body. Heart function and muscle contraction would not be possible without potassium. Potassium also works as a regulator to balance acids in the body. Too much potassium, however, is dangerous.
  
  

Hyperkalemia

• Having too much potassium in the blood is called hyperkalemia. Older people are at a greater risk of hyperkalemia because kidney function slows with age and the organ processes potassium at a slower rate. As excess potassium builds up and is not excreted normally, muscles and nerves may become overly sensitive and may begin to malfunction. Nausea is a possible symptom of hyperkalemia. Irregular heartbeat, weak pulse and palpitations may occur, signaling that you may be at risk for a heart attack. Hyperkalemia is a life-threatening condition.
  
  

Causes

• Causes of excess potassium include unadvised supplementation, reduced kidney function due to acute or chronic kidney failure, an abnormal breakdown of protein, burns, tumors and some infections. The hormone aldosterone regulates potassium's removal from the body, and a lack of this hormone will cause a buildup of potassium. Medications that may lead to hyperkalemia include spironolactone, amiloride and triamterene.
  
  

Acute treatment

• When a patient has a history of kidney failure, dialysis will help reduce potassium levels. Intravenous calcium, glucose, and insulin will aid muscle and heart function as well as reverse more severe symptoms of hyperkalemia. Diuretics (water pills) are also beneficial to lowering the body's total potassium level.
  
  

Chronic treatment

• To treat long-term hyperkalemia, reducing potassium levels in the diet paired with discontinuing potassium supplements will provide a healthy homeostasis in the body.