Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Correcting High Potassium Levels
• Method 2 of 2: Symptoms of high potassium levels

A chronic increase in blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia) is usually a sign of impaired kidney function. It can also be caused by taking certain medications, serious injury, a severe diabetic crisis (called "diabetic ketoacidosis"), or other causes. High potassium levels can be dangerous to health and life (if very high) - such conditions require medical supervision.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Correcting High Potassium Levels

1. 1 Remember that high potassium levels are most often the result of kidney disease or drug use. There are other causes of high potassium levels, but these two are the most common. Treatment for high potassium levels is usually by increasing the excretion of potassium through the urine.
   • It is necessary to start treatment with a blood test - only according to the results of the analysis, the doctor can tell whether the level of potassium in the body is increased or not. In general, this diagnosis is difficult to make only by symptoms, so a blood test is extremely necessary before starting treatment.
   • Another less common but serious cause of high potassium levels is high glucose levels (called "diabetic ketoacidosis"), which occurs during a diabetic crisis and in severe injuries (such as accidents).
2. 2 Get an electrocardiogram. Because high potassium levels can be extremely dangerous for the heart (and often heart problems are the hallmark of this condition), your doctor may order you an electrocardiogram. An electrocardiogram is a medical examination that evaluates your heart rate and heart rate. This examination should be completed as soon as possible, especially if the potassium level is significantly exceeded.
   • If the potassium level is only slightly exceeded, the doctor may take a conservative approach to treatment and ask for a second test.
   • The results of the electrocardiogram will give the doctor important information about how the heart is working at the moment. This information will help not only diagnose hyperkalemia, but also identify the need for urgent treatment (high potassium levels pose a potential danger to heart function), since the choice of a strategy to reduce potassium levels depends on the current state of the heart.
3. 3 Take a close look at the list of medications you are taking with your doctor. You may be taking a prescription drug that is causing hyperkalemia, or high potassium. The doctor may change the drug or lower the dose. In addition, the doctor may recommend that you stop taking any potassium supplements or multivitamin complexes that contain potassium.
   • If the potassium level is very high, the doctor will stop taking any medications that may increase the potassium level for a short time - this will help speed up recovery.
   • If only stopping potassium-raising drugs is not enough, more aggressive treatments may be required.
4. 4 Make the necessary injections as prescribed by your doctor. If the level of potassium in the body is significantly exceeded, the doctor may prescribe more aggressive treatment, which includes intravenous administration of various drugs in the form of droppers.
   • Your doctor will likely prescribe an intravenous calcium supplement. Usually the dosage is 500-3000 mg (10-20 ml) at a time, from 0.2 to 2 ml per minute.
   • Also, the doctor may recommend taking a special resin that helps to remove excess potassium through the intestines. The usual dose is 50 grams, taken orally or injected with 30 ml of sorbitol.
   • If deemed necessary, the doctor may prescribe injections of insulin and / or glucose to move potassium into the cells of the body where it should be. The usual insulin dose is 10 units per IV; usual dose of glucose 50% (D50W) 50 ml (25 grams). They are administered as 1 ampoule per IV for 5 minutes, manifesting in 15-30 minutes or 2-6 hours.
5. 5 Ask your doctor about taking diuretics. Sometimes diuretics or diuretics are used to remove excess potassium through urination. The diuretic is taken orally at a dosage of 0.5-2 mg 1-2 times a day, or intravenously at a dosage of 0.5-1 mg. If necessary, after 2-3 hours, the doctor may prescribe up to 2 more doses of the drug.
   • Note that this treatment may not be sufficient to treat emergencies, although it will be effective if potassium levels are moderately high.
6. 6 Hemodialysis. Hemodialysis can help with kidney failure or significantly elevated potassium levels. Hemodialysis is the process of artificially removing waste products from the blood, which is used in cases where the kidneys cannot cope with their task.
7. 7 Continue to see your doctor after treatment is complete. After receiving appropriate treatment for hyperkalemia, it is imperative that potassium levels remain within normal limits. Typically, after treatment for hyperkalemia, patients remain in the hospital for a short time, where they are connected to a “heart monitor” (a device that monitors the heart). The doctor may monitor the patient's condition in other ways. When the condition is stable and not a cause for concern, the patient is sent home.
   • High potassium is a potentially life-threatening condition, especially because of the negative effects it has on the heart. Thus, it is extremely important to monitor the work of the heart. In some cases, close monitoring of heart function has even saved the patient's life by helping to track down any potentially dangerous increase in potassium levels.
8. 8 Change your diet. A diet containing less than 2 grams of potassium per day can effectively prevent spikes in potassium levels. It is also important to note that the consumption of foods rich in potassium rarely leads to hyperkalemia. As stated earlier, high potassium levels are usually caused by kidney disease or medication.

Method 2 of 2: Symptoms of high potassium levels

1. 1 Pay attention to the work of the heart. High potassium levels can interfere with heart function and cause arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), atrial flutter or blockages, and ultimately can lead to cardiac arrest. If you have even the slightest doubt about the presence of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.
2. 2 Nausea and vomiting. High potassium levels can lead to stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting. As a result, dehydration of the body is possible.
3. 3 Fatigue and weakness. Potassium contributes to muscle function, so too high or too low potassium leads to muscle weakness, resulting in feelings of weakness, fatigue and lethargy. This feeling may be accompanied by other symptoms, especially vomiting.
4. 4 Numbness and tingling. Feelings of numbness and tingling are also associated with muscle activity. First of all, such sensations are seen in the limbs (in the arms and legs), and then around the mouth; they can be accompanied by muscle cramps. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible.
5. 5 Remember, there may be no symptoms at all. Many people have no symptoms, and they only learn about high potassium levels after a blood test.