“What are the Signs of Excess Potassium in the Body?”

KOMPAS.com – When your body has an excess of potassium, you may experience muscle weakness and nausea.

Potassium (potassium) is an important mineral that the body needs to support the function of the heart, nerves, muscles, digestive system, and kidneys.

However, excess potassium can cause a health problem known as hyperkalemia.

Also read: What is Potassium Medication, Its Uses, and Side Effects

Quoting the Mayo Clinic, the normal level of potassium in the blood is usually 3.6-5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).

Having a blood potassium level higher than 6.0 mmol/L can be dangerous and usually requires immediate medical attention.

People who are at risk of having excess potassium in the body, namely:

• Patients with acute kidney failure
• Patients with chronic kidney disease
• Addison’s disease
• Angiotensin II receptor antagonist drug users
• Users of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE Inhibitors)
• Beta blocker drug users
• Dehydrated sufferers: when the body does not have enough water and other fluids to work properly
• Have red blood cells that have been destroyed as a result of a severe injury or burn
• Excessive use of potassium supplements
• Type 1 diabetics

This article will review the signs your body has excess potassium to watch out for.

Also read: 13 Foods High in Potassium that Patients with Kidney Failure Should Avoid

What are the signs of excess potassium in the body?

Quoting the Cleveland Clinic, the following are signs the body has excess potassium (hyperkalemia) that you need to watch out for:

• Stomach (stomach) pain and diarrhea
• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations or arrhythmias (irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeats)
• Muscle weakness or numbness in the legs
• Nausea and vomiting

Note that many people with mild hyperkalemia have no symptoms or the symptoms are so common that they are easy to ignore.

Also read: 11 signs the body has excess vitamin E that needs attention

Signs of hyperkalemia often come and go and may appear gradually over weeks or months.

Very high levels of potassium in the blood affect the heart and can cause sudden, life-threatening problems.

Most people know they have hyperkalemia when they do a blood test. So, it’s important to do routine blood tests.

If you have signs of excess potassium as above, especially if you have kidney disease or are taking drugs that increase potassium levels, see a doctor immediately.

Also read: 8 Signs of excess body fluids that need attention

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