<unk>  is an elevated level of potassium (K+) in the blood. Normal potassium levels are between 3.5 and 5.0mmol/L (3.5 and 5.0mEq/L) with levels above 5.5mmol/L defined as<unk> . Typically<unk>  does not cause symptoms. Occasionally when severe it can cause palpitations, muscle pain, muscle weakness, or numbness.<unk>  can cause an abnormal heart rhythm which can result in cardiac arrest and death. Common causes of<unk>  include kidney failure, hypoaldosteronism, and rhabdomyolysis. A number of medications can also cause high blood potassium including spironolactone, NSAIDs, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. The severity is divided into mild (5.5–5.9mmol/L), moderate (6.0–6.4mmol/L), and severe (>6.5mmol/L). High levels can be detected on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Pseudohyperkalemia, due to breakdown of cells during or after taking the blood sample, should be ruled out. Initial treatment in those with ECG changes is salts, such as calcium gluconate or calcium chloride. Other medications used to rapidly reduce blood potassium levels include insulin with dextrose, salbutamol, and sodium bicarbonate. Medications that might worsen the condition should be stopped and a low potassium diet should be started. Measures to remove potassium from the body include diuretics such as furosemide, potassium-binders such as polystyrene sulfonate and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, and hemodialysis. Hemodialysis is the most effective method.<unk>  is rare among those who are otherwise healthy. Among those who are hospitalized, rates are between 1% and 2.5%. It is associated with an increased mortality, whether due to<unk>  itself or as a marker of severe illness, especially in those without chronic kidney disease. The word<unk>  comes from hyper- 'high' + kalium 'potassium' + -emia 'blood condition'.
Hyperkalemia
Alkalosis
Hyponatremia
Hypermagnesemia
Hypernatremia
Digoxin toxicity
Hypokalemia
Ketosis