Übersetzungsbüro Französisch joint pain arthritis
Anything of too much is never good for our health. This straight forward fact also applies to all the essential minerals that play a very important role to regulate various biological processes in our body. Although, mineral like potassium is necessary for optimal health, when it is present in abnormally high amounts, for a considerable amount of time, it is an indication of something wrong happening inside the body. So, what does high potassium mean? It is discussed below:
When potassium levels in blood deviate from normal range and remain consistently high, the condition is referred as hyperkalemia. When blood tests indicate alarmingly high potassium levels, it is a serious issue and requires aggressive treatment to lower high potassium levels.
Symptoms of High Potassium
What are the high potassium symptoms? The person may not show any symptoms, if potassium levels do not deviate substantially. However, with significant rise in potassium levels, the person may experience persistent nausea. The nauseating feeling may decrease his appetite. Other than nausea, a feeling of weakness is likely to 'haunt' the person consistently. Fatigue and abnormal heart rate are also some of the symptoms associated with hyperkalemia.
What does High Potassium Mean
It means that the organ assigned the task of controlling potassium levels, is not working properly. Deficiency of certain hormones can also contribute to this problem. It is explained below:
Kidney Disorders
Of the many important functions of the kidneys, one involves monitoring blood potassium levels. As we all know, kidneys do an important task of filtering the blood to get rid of waste matter that is eventually excreted in the form of urine. During filtration process, the kidneys ensure that surplus potassium (if any)in the blood is removed and eliminated through urine. However, normal blood potassium levels will not be maintained when the kidneys are not functioning efficiently. In other words persistent high potassium in blood could mean the onset of kidney diseases.
It is observed that as the age increases, kidneys lose their capability to work efficiently. No wonder, excess potassium in blood is often diagnosed in the elderly. So, one can say that blood tests showing abnormally high potassium is an early sign of kidney dysfunction.
Aldosterone Deficiency
Aldosterone is a hormone found in our blood. Its main function is to maintain normal potassium levels in our body and promote excretion of excess potassium through urine. However, when there is shortage of aldosterone, it can give rise to abnormally high blood potassium levels. People suffering from Addison's disease usually suffer from aldosterone deficiency.
Alcoholism
High potassium levels could also mean that the person is drinking too much of alcoholic drinks. It is a known fact that alcohol negatively affects the muscle building process. Studies show that alcohol induces breakdown of muscle fiber. As muscle tissues contain potassium, the damaged muscle tissues are no longer able to hold potassium and so is expelled into the bloodstream.
Dehydration
Research on 'what does high potassium mean' have found a link between elevated potassium levels and dehydration. A dehydrated body is likely to show abnormally high amount of potassium in the blood. Insufficient water intake contributes to dehydration, which eventually leads to high potassium levels.
Overdose of Potassium Supplements
Slightly elevated potassium levels could mean there is too much intake of potassium rich foods or potassium supplements. Excess potassium in the diet can be a great burden for the kidneys as they have to work harder to remove potassium. In such circumstances reducing potassium dosage through foods and supplements can helps to restore healthy potassium levels.
After knowing 'what does high potassium mean', it is necessary to take steps to lower elevated potassium levels. Certain high blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors) can also contribute to high potassium levels in blood and so decreasing the dosage could benefit to resolve the issue. As high potassium levels point towards renal (kidney) insufficiency, taking the required treatment may help to prevent any complications.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
