Clinical manifestations of hyperkalemia

Written by Wei Shi Liang
Intensive Care Unit
Updated on September 04, 2024
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The clinical manifestations of hyperkalemia mainly affect the cardiovascular system, often presenting with slowed heart rate and various arrhythmias. When the blood potassium level is between 6.6 and 8.0 mmol/L, a tent-shaped T-wave can be observed. Rapid increases in blood potassium can lead to ventricular tachycardia, and even ventricular fibrillation. A gradual increase in blood potassium can cause conduction blocks, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest. Sudden death in severe hyperkalemia is mainly due to ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest. The second aspect is symptoms related to the neuromuscular system. As the concentration of potassium ions in the extracellular fluid increases, the resting membrane potential drops, leading to muscle weakness and even paralysis, typically more pronounced in the lower limbs and extending upward along the trunk. In severe cases, some patients may experience difficulty in swallowing and breathing difficulties. Symptoms involving the central nervous system mainly include restlessness, confusion, and fainting.

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Written by Wei Shi Liang
Intensive Care Unit
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The difference between hyperkalemia and hypokalemia.

Hypokalemia refers to a serum potassium concentration lower than 3.5mmol/L, and its clinical manifestations are diverse. The most life-threatening symptoms involve the cardiac conduction system and the neuromuscular system. Mild hypokalemia shows on an electrocardiogram as flattened T waves and the appearance of U waves, while severe hypokalemia can lead to fatal arrhythmias, such as torsades de pointes and ventricular fibrillation. In terms of the neuromuscular system, the most prominent symptom of hypokalemia is the loss of tone in smooth muscles and flaccid paralysis in skeletal muscles, which, when involving respiratory muscles, can lead to respiratory failure. Hyperkalemia, on the other hand, refers to a serum potassium concentration exceeding 5.5mmol/L, mainly presenting clinical symptoms in cardiac and neuromuscular conduction. Severe cases can cause bradycardia, atrioventricular conduction block, and even sinus arrest. Mild hyperkalemia, with levels between 5.5 to 6.0mmol/L, shows on an electrocardiogram as peaked T waves. As hyperkalemia continues to increase, it can lead to lengthening of the PR interval or disappearance of the P wave, QRS widening, and eventually cardiac arrest. Regarding the neuromuscular system, the clinical manifestations of hyperkalemia are very similar to those of hypokalemia, including weakness and paralysis of skeletal and smooth muscles.

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Written by Wei Shi Liang
Intensive Care Unit
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What are the causes of hyperkalemia?

Hyperkalemia, with blood potassium levels greater than 5.5 mmol/L, commonly occurs due to decreased potassium excretion or abnormal potassium transport within cells, as well as other reasons such as excessive intake. Decreased potassium excretion can commonly be due to renal failure, the use of potassium-sparing diuretics, renal tubular acidosis, and reduced secretion of corticosteroid aldosterone. Abnormal potassium transport includes conditions such as acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, extensive burns, severe trauma, intestinal necrosis, and peritoneal bleeding, among other diseases. Excessive potassium intake can be due to sample hemolysis or an elevation in white blood cells, both of which can lead to hyperkalemia. Therefore, it is crucial to be vigilant in clinical settings and address the condition promptly and appropriately.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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What should be noted in the diet for hyperkalemia?

In cases of hyperkalemia, it is important to avoid eating foods high in potassium, such as corn, lettuce, carp, eel, lamb, beef, pork, as well as dates, bananas, and others. These foods are rich in potassium and should be consumed less or not at all. Additionally, a diet high in sugar and fat should be provided, or some intravenous nutrition may be used, to ensure sufficient caloric intake and prevent the release of potassium from metabolic breakdown, which could lead to an increase in blood potassium levels. Also, it is important to avoid certain medications high in potassium, such as traditional Chinese medicines. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
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Why is calcium used for hyperkalemia?

Hyperkalemia can increase the excitability of myocardial cells, leading to various malignant arrhythmias and even sudden death. Immediate treatment is necessary after hyperkalemia occurs. Clinically, it can be treated by hemodialysis or conservatively with medication. Why use calcium preparations for hyperkalemia? Because after using calcium preparations, the excitability of myocardial cells can be stabilized, effectively maintaining stable heart rates in patients and preventing sudden death due to malignant arrhythmias.

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Written by Wei Shi Liang
Intensive Care Unit
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Clinical manifestations of hyperkalemia

The clinical manifestations of hyperkalemia mainly affect the cardiovascular system, often presenting with slowed heart rate and various arrhythmias. When the blood potassium level is between 6.6 and 8.0 mmol/L, a tent-shaped T-wave can be observed. Rapid increases in blood potassium can lead to ventricular tachycardia, and even ventricular fibrillation. A gradual increase in blood potassium can cause conduction blocks, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest. Sudden death in severe hyperkalemia is mainly due to ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest. The second aspect is symptoms related to the neuromuscular system. As the concentration of potassium ions in the extracellular fluid increases, the resting membrane potential drops, leading to muscle weakness and even paralysis, typically more pronounced in the lower limbs and extending upward along the trunk. In severe cases, some patients may experience difficulty in swallowing and breathing difficulties. Symptoms involving the central nervous system mainly include restlessness, confusion, and fainting.