Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia are imbalances of potassium in the bloodstream, with causes and treatments differing. Both can have severe consequences, but treatment involves normalizing potassium levels through medication and addressing underlying conditions.
Both hypokalemia and hyperkalemia refer to potassium imbalances in the bloodstream. Less than normal amount of potassium is called hypokalemia, and more than normal amount is called hyperkalemia. Both conditions can be classified as mild or severe, depending on the degree of deviation from normal levels. The causes of these two conditions and the treatments for them differ, although the goal in treating both conditions is to normalize potassium levels.
A certain level of potassium in the body is required for healthy cellular function, especially muscle and nerve cells and heart function. This nutrient is obtained through food, and is mostly stored in the body’s cells with a small percentage transported in the blood. The kidneys remove excess potassium which is then excreted in the urine. Disruptions in this system can lead to hypokalemia and hyperkalemia.
Kidney problems can cause both hypokalemia and hyperkalemia, but otherwise the causes of the two conditions differ. High potassium is usually caused by kidney disorders that reduce the kidneys’ ability to remove excess potassium. Cell damage from injury, surgery, or disease can cause many cells to release their potassium into the bloodstream at once, resulting in hyperkalemia. Heavy consumption of salt substitutes can also lead to high potassium content.
Low potassium levels are most commonly caused by not consuming or absorbing enough nutrients. Eating disorders, malnutrition, illness, or taking certain medications can interfere with your potassium consumption or absorption. Taking laxatives can also contribute to the problem. Kidney disease that leads to the elimination of too much potassium can also cause hypokalemia.
Severe or even life-threatening consequences can result from severe cases of hypokalemia and hyperkalemia, including heart attacks. Many people with hypokalemia have no or only vague symptoms at all, but some people experience weakness, tiredness, fainting, muscle cramps, stomach cramps, constipation, or a change in heart rhythm. Hyperkalemia is similar in that most people have few or only vague symptoms such as fatigue, but some people feel nauseous, have an irregular or slow heartbeat, or a weak pulse.
Treatment of hypokalemia is simple and involves giving the person potassium by mouth or intravenously, although any underlying conditions must be treated or the person’s potassium levels will drop again. Hyperkalemia is usually treated by reducing potassium consumption, but emergency treatment of severe hyperkalemia is more complex. The patient will be given medications to reduce potassium levels, as well as medications that combat the effects of too much potassium on the body, including intravenous calcium, insulin, and glucose.
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