Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is serum potassium above 5.5 mmol/L, a life-threatening electrolyte emergency. Causes: renal failure, ACEi/ARB/spironolactone/NSAIDs, rhabdomyolysis, hemolysis, acidosis, and Addison disease. Clinical: muscle weakness/ascending paralysis, and cardiac toxicity (peaked T waves, widened QRS, sine wave, arrest). Treatment (urgent): IV calcium gluconate (membrane stabilization), insulin+dextrose, beta-agonist, bicarbonate, potassium-removal (kayexalate, loop diuretic, dialysis).

Common Symptoms

Muscle weakness; paresthesia; arrhythmia; peaked T waves/widened QRS; often asymptomatic until cardiac event

Causes and Pathogenesis

Renal potassium-excretion failure or transcellular shift (acidosis, tissue breakdown) raises serum K, impairing cardiac membrane repolarization.

Treatment

IV calcium gluconate; insulin+dextrose; nebulized salbutamol; bicarbonate; potassium-removal (kayexalate/diuretic/dialysis); stop K-raising drugs

Preventive Measures

Monitor K on ACEi/ARB/spironolactone in renal impairment; low-K diet; avoid K supplements.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Emergency department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.