Hyperkalemia

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Important

It is possible that the main title of the report Hyperkalemia is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

• High Potassium
• Hyperpotassemia

Disorder Subdivisions

• None

General Discussion

Hyperkalemia is a condition caused by an abnormally high concentration of potassium in the blood. Potassium is a key element in contraction of muscles (including the heart) and for the functioning of many complicated proteins (enzymes). Potassium is found primarily in the skeletal muscle and bone, and participates with sodium to contribute to the normal flow between the body fluids and the cells of the body (homeostasis). The concentration of potassium in the body is regulated by the kidneys, and balance is maintained through excretion in urine. When the kidneys are functioning normally, the amount of potassium in the diet is usually sufficient for use by the body and the excess is excreted. Chemical and hormonal influences also help regulate the internal potassium balance. When hyperkalemia occurs, there is an imbalance resulting from a dysfunction of these normal processes.



Normally, 98% of the potassium in the body is found in the cells of various tissues, while only about 2% is circulating in the blood. When hyperkalemia occurs, it may come about because of an increase in total body potassium or as a result of increased release of potassium from the cells to the blood.



Abnormally high levels of potassium in the blood or urine suggest the presence of another underlying medical condition. Because potassium helps to regulate muscle activity, including the activity of heart (cardiac) muscle, hyperkalemia needs to be taken seriously.

Resources

Muscular Dystrophy Association

3300 E. Sunrise Dr

Tucson, AZ 85718

USA

Tel: 5205292000

Fax: 5205295300

Tel: 8003444863

Email: mda@mdausa.org

Internet: http://www.mdausa.org



Digestive Disease National Coalition

507 Capitol Court

Suite 200

Washington, DC 20002

Tel: (202)544-7497

Fax: (202)546-7105

Email: scott@hmcw.org

Internet: http://www.ddnc.org



NIH/National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

2 Information Way

Bethesda, MD 20892-3570

Tel: (301)654-3810

Fax: (301)907-8906

Tel: (800)891-5389

Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov

Internet: http://www.niddk.nih.gov

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The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

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Last Updated:  4/21/2008

Copyright  1990, 1995, 2004 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

Last updated:	April 21, 2008