Hyperkalemia overview
 |
Resident Survival Guide |
|
Hyperkalemia Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Hyperkalemia overview On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hyperkalemia overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Hyperkalemia (AE) or Hyperkalaemia (BE) is an elevated blood level (above 5.0 mmol/L) of the electrolyte potassium. The prefix hyper- means high (contrast with hypo-, meaning low). The middle kal refers to kalium, which is Latin for potassium. The end portion of the word, -emia, means "in the blood". Extreme degrees of hyperkalemia are considered a medical emergency due to the risk of potentially fatal arrhythmias.
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Hyperkalemia often has no symptoms. Occasionally, people may have the following symptoms: irregular heartbeat, nausea, slow, weak, or absent pulse. Extreme degrees of hyperkalemia are considered a medical emergency due to the risk of potentially fatal arrhythmias. A detailed history taking is very helpful in diagnosing the cause of hyperkalemia.
Physical Examination
In patients with hyperkalemia, physical examination may vary from normal to bradycardia (heart block), tachypnea due to respiratory muscle weakness and absent tendon reflexes.
Electrocardiogram
Extreme degrees of hyperkalemia are considered a medical emergency due to the risk of potentially fatal arrhythmias. The EKG is an important tool in diagnosing hyperkalemia. However, EKG changes do not always correlate with the degree of hyperkalemia. Some of the EKG changes that can be seen associated with hyperkalemia include peaked T waves (T wave tenting), PR interval prolongation, QRS complex widening, absent P waves, a sine wave pattern and sinus arrest.
Ultrasound
In many cases, renal ultrasound will be performed, since hyperkalemia is highly suggestive of renal failure.