Hyperkalaemia is an abnormally high level of potassium in the blood. The symptoms of hyperkalaemia are initially an arrhythmia accompanied by intense fatigue.

Hyperkalemia is a disease caused by an abnormally high level of potassium in the blood. The body’s potassium is mainly found in cells and organs (98%). Only 2% of this chemical element is normally found in the bloodstream.

Potassium is an essential element in the proper functioning of the body. It allows the activation of nerves and muscles. It therefore plays an essential role in setting the human body in motion. In addition, the heart being a muscle (cardiac muscle, also called myocardium), this substance is also essential for the proper functioning of this one.

The level of potassium in the bloodstream is regulated by the kidneys. The presence of kidney disease (nephropathy) can therefore be the cause of deregulation of the potassium level in the blood, and thus lead to more or less serious consequences. This is then the development of hyperkalaemia.

Prescribing medications, or even a suitable diet, helps to regulate this abnormally high level of potassium in the blood. The fact remains that hyperkalaemia can be vital for the patient. The assumption of responsibility must then be done as early as possible.

Anyone, regardless of gender, can be affected by the development of hyperkalemia.

However, people whose diet is very rich in potassium (athletes following a high protein diet for example) are more exposed to the risk of hyperkalaemia. In addition, patients with kidney and / or cardiovascular disease are also at increased risk of hyperkalaemia.

There are different possible causes of hyperkalemia:

• have kidney disease
• too much acidity in the blood
• the presence of diabetes
• the presence of cardiovascular disease
• a diet too rich in potassium (banana, orange, tomatoes, salt, etc.)
• severe trauma and injury
• Addison’s disease (endocrine disease, caused by decreased secretion of adrenal hormones)
• taking certain medications: hypo surfactants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.

The most probable complications and evolutions of the disease are more or less serious cardiac and cardiovascular attacks, but also a risk of deficiency of an organ and of the muscular system.

The major risk factors for hyperkalaemia are:

• the presence of cardiovascular and / or renal pathology (heart disease, nephropathy)
• a diet high in potassium

Sometimes patients with hyperkalaemia do not have any symptoms.

Nevertheless, the symptoms most widely found in the context of such an attack are:

• irregularities in the heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• intense and chronic fatigue
• muscle weakness
• tingling, numbness and the like in different parts of the body
• ephemeral paralysis
• difficulty in breathing
• nausea and vomiting.

Drug treatments used in the context of hyperkalaemia restore the heart rate, as well as promote the passage of potassium from the general bloodstream to the cells. They also facilitate the excretion of excess potassium.

Hemodialysis is the method most often used in the management of hyperkalaemia. This technique eliminates excess potassium from the body.

The most commonly prescribed drugs include: calcium gluconate, insulin, sodium bicarbonate, diuretics, and others.

Reducing the symptoms associated with hyperkalaemia is also possible by adjusting the diet: reducing the consumption of foods rich in potassium (bananas, lentils, nuts, salmon, tomatoes, etc.), avoiding processed and rich products in added sugars, avoid alcohol and tobacco, drink more water, etc.