In your annual full report, has the doctor said that you have "a little too much potassium"? Or have you heard someone say that? Potassium is an essential nutrient for our body. But like anything, if it gets too much, it can be a little dangerous. Especially for our heart. So today, let's talk about the increase in potassium levels in the blood, which is medically known as hyperkalemia, and the complications that can arise from it.
Why is potassium so important for our body?
Simply put, potassium is a mineral that has an electrical charge that helps our body's nerves and muscles communicate. It's like a small electrical system in our body. This potassium is especially essential for our heart to beat properly, that is, to beat in the same rhythm. The heart has a muscle layer called the myocardium. Potassium plays a big role in controlling the electrical signals in this and keeping the heart beating at the right rate. So imagine, if this potassium level increases, this electrical system goes haywire. That's when the problems start.
The main complications that can occur due to increased potassium
High blood potassium levels can lead to various health problems. Let's take a look at the most important ones.
Irregular heartbeat (Arrhythmias)
This is the most important and dangerous complication of high potassium. As mentioned earlier, when potassium levels increase, the heart's electrical signal system becomes disrupted. Then the heart beats irregularly. Sometimes it beats fast, sometimes it beats slowly, or it feels like it's skipping beats. We call this condition arrhythmia. See if you have any of these symptoms.
| Symptom | How you feel |
|---|
| Feeling a fluttering in the chest. (Fluttering) | It feels like a butterfly is flying inside your chest. |
| Racing/Pounding heart rate | Feeling like your heart is pounding or pounding in your chest. |
| Slow heartbeat | Feeling like your heart is beating slower than normal. |
| Chest Pain | A squeezing or squeezing pain in the chest. |
| Shortness of Breath | Difficulty breathing or a feeling of suffocation. |
| Dizziness and fainting | Feeling lightheaded or faint. |
| Sweating and fatigue | Sweating for no reason, extreme fatigue, and anxiety. |
The most important thing is, if you have any of these symptoms, don't ignore them. Be sure to see your doctor and tell them about it.
Heart Attack
This is not always the case. However, if the previously mentioned irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) is not treated properly, it can sometimes progress to a heart attack.
If you experience severe chest pain or a feeling of tightness, it is an emergency. Call an ambulance immediately or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU). Muscle weakness or paralysis
Potassium is a mineral that helps in the transmission of signals between nerves and muscles. So when potassium levels increase, this transmission of signals also gets disrupted. This can cause muscle weakness. This can start to be felt in the legs and feet first. In some severe cases, even the muscles that help in breathing may become weak and may even become temporarily paralyzed. If such symptoms appear, it is essential to seek medical advice immediately.
Why do potassium levels increase in our body?
We get potassium from the foods we eat. For example, bananas, avocados, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, and tangerines are rich in potassium. In a healthy person, the kidneys excrete excess potassium through urine, keeping the body's potassium levels balanced. However,
if there is a disease in the kidneys,If there is, the kidneys cannot properly filter out this excess potassium. That's when potassium builds up in the blood and the level rises. The main cause of high potassium is kidney disease. In addition, some high blood pressure medications, uncontrolled diabetes, and serious accidents can also cause potassium levels to rise.
How are potassium levels measured?
You can check your potassium levels with a simple blood test. Typical values are as follows:
| Level | Value (mmol/L) | Meaning |
|---|
| Average level | 3.5 - 5.5 | A healthy level. |
| High level | More than 5.5 | Health problems may occur. Medical advice is required. |
| High risk level | More than 6.5 | Very dangerous. Immediate emergency medical attention is required. |
Remember, if your potassium level is above 6.5 mmol/L, it is a medical emergency . Never try to manage this condition at home. Go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Although potassium is essential for the body, too much of it can be dangerous, especially for the heart.
- Never ignore symptoms like irregular heartbeat, chest tightness, or dizziness . See your doctor immediately.
- People with kidney disease should be especially careful about their potassium levels. Follow your doctor's instructions and diet exactly.
- Never stop taking any medication or make any major changes to your diet without consulting a doctor.
- If you experience severe chest pain or muscle weakness, consider it an emergency and go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
Potassium, hyperkalemia, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, heart attack, kidney disease, symptoms
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