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Not many the great unwashed are mindful that having too much of sure mineral in the torso can also prove to be harmful . For example , having too much K in the blood . Potassiumis an essential mineral and electrolyte that our body require to carry out many functions . Potassium is specially postulate for the smooth performance of the nerves , cadre , and muscle of the body , including the heart . So while atomic number 19 is necessary for the body , having too much of the food can raise to be damaging . High K in the blood is known as hyperkalemia . Often , people are unable to recognize the symptom of hyperkalemia , and the circumstance remains untreated , which can prove to be lifespan - endanger in some cases . So what are the sign and symptoms of hyperkalemia ? Let ’s take a expression .
Understanding Hyperkalemia
Potassium is an indispensable mineral that is want by the body for carrying out various occasion . Potassium can be found in many foods , including invigorated vegetables and fruits.(1,2,3)A normal rakehell potassium level should be between 3.5 and 5.0 millimoles per litre ( mmol / L).(4)The recommended amount of potassium that should be go through daily is around 4,700 milligrams ( mg).(5 )
However , some people may be let a higher intake of potassium , and some are also taking potassium supplements while also having a high potassium diet . Other example could also admit a individual taking a medication that causes the kidneys to hold on to the excess potassium , allowing the K to ramp up up in the bloodstream .
Your atomic number 19 level can also go up if you have a kidney - have-to doe with experimental condition , such asdiabetesorchronic kidney disease.(6)This piss it difficult for the kidneys to filter out the supererogatory potassium from the blood stream .
Having high potassium can be a dangerous condition because it can potentially sham the muscle that control your respiration and blink of an eye .
This can cause complications like irregular heart round , shortness of breath , and evenparalysis.(7)This is why it is essential that we recognize the sign and symptoms of gamy K at the earliest . While many people do not receive any symptoms of hyperkalemia , but when the symptom do take place , they usually let in the following .
5 Common Symptoms of Hyperkalemia
Tingling and Numbness
Having redundant atomic number 19 in the rakehell is known to affect nervus function . K is needed by the body as it helps the boldness fire off the sign to the brain . However , when there is too much potassium in the bloodstream , the nerve are not able to do this properly . Over sentence , this may cause neurological symptoms such as prickling , orpins and needles ’ sensationor apathy in your limbs . It is most common to experience these symptom in your hands and/or feet.(8 )
Muscle Weakness
Having excess potassium in the bloodstream can have an adverse effect on your center muscles and also on the other muscles of the organic structure . It is possible to rise brawn weakness or muscle tiredness because of hyperkalemia . Even doing simple activities like walking can make you sense overwhelmingly tired .
Due to high potassium , there is a chance that the muscles lose the power to function right , cause brawn exhaustion . It is also common to experience a dull but uninterrupted botheration in the heftiness . Many multitude often tend to ignore this , thinking it is a result of tiredness . Keep in mind that it is mutual to feel like you have completed an extremely straining workout or activeness , even though you might have only done some light work.(9)Muscle crampsare also a usual symptom of hyperkalemia .
Irregular Heartbeat or Arrhythmia
One of the more severe side effects of hyperkalemia is the risk of having an irregular heartbeat , a condition known as arrhythmia.(10 )
Arrhythmias pass off when high atomic number 19 causes damage to the muscle that control your middle .
An temporary twinkling is when your tenderness beats either too slow or too tight . This can cause chest pain , shakiness , shortness of breath , and can even run to severe complications likeheart failure.(11 )
Heart palpitationsmake you feel like your heart skipped a beat and is beating too fast . It may also feel like your heart is race , or there is a flutter in your bureau . However , this feeling sometimes is not just cut back to the thorax . Many people also report feeling such palpitations in their throat and cervix .
If you are experience a problem with your heart rhythm , you may also sense like there is a blind drunk pressure in the chest , moving to your neck and arm . Other heart - related symptoms may also include a persistentheartburnorindigestion , lightheadedness , and a cold-blooded lather . If you get any such symptoms , it is essential that you seek medical assistance immediately.(12 )
Shortness of Breath
Another symptom of having gamey potassium in the blood is feelingshortness of breath . This symptom is usually observed when hyperkalemia starts to already affect the muscles that control your ventilation . Due to the damage make by high K , the warmheartedness ’s ability to pump stock is shorten , which means that the lung are not receive enough oxygen . This makes it unmanageable to catch your breath , and you may feel a tightness in your pectus .
In severe cases of high K , it may even find like you are suffocating . If you experience this , call your MD or 911 to try aesculapian assistance at the early .
Nausea and/or Vomiting
High atomic number 19 is also known to adversely touch your GI wellness . Some people with high atomic number 19 are known to experiencenausea , vomiting , andabdominal painor spasm . Hyperkalemia is also roll in the hay to causediarrhea .
Treating Hyperkalemia
If you are experiencing the symptoms of hyperkalemia , it is essential that you contact your doctor at the earliest . Your doctor will order a blood test to affirm the high potassium blood levels and then discourse the discussion option for hyperkalemia .
For some multitude , decreasing the levels of high potassium involves rationalise down on potassium in your diet . This mean avoiding or limit certain case of mellow K food . Your doc may recommend that you consult a dietitian who can help you get up a meal programme .
Along with follow a dispirited potassium dieting , your doctor may also dictate a diuretic for stimulating urination to flush out the excess atomic number 19 from the body.(13 )
Your doctor may also order a potassium reaper binder , which is a class of medicinal drug that binds to excess potassium in the bowel . The drug make the supererogatory potassium leave the body through the toilet .
Your physician will also take down your aesculapian history as certain medications for hyperkalemia may cause K to build up in the blood stream . These include medicines like ACE inhibitors and beta - blocking agent that are usually used to treat hypertension.(14 )
Your doctor may adjust your medicine for treat hyperkalemia for some fourth dimension . You may be advised to stop a potassium supplement if you are on one and drink plentitude of water to preventdehydration .
Conclusion
Hyperkalemia can prove to be a severe and even life - imperil status if left untreated . This is why it is important to monitor your potassium intake and keep your potassium levels within a moderate and healthy range of mountains . Both too much and too small potassium can be dangerous for your health , especially if you have an underlying kidney condition or diabetes . take your Dr. or a dietitian for recommendations on what kind of diet you should be following to keep the inhalation of potassium within the good level .
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