Table of contents
Expand All Topics
Hyperkalemia
Background
Overview
Definition
Hyperkalemia is defined as an increase in serum potassium levels > 5.0 mmol/L.
1
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of hyperkalemia involves disruptions in potassium balance due to excess potassium intake, impaired potassium excretion, or transcellular shifts. The etiology is often multifactorial, with impaired renal function, medication use, and hyperglycemia being the most common contributors.
1
Epidemiology
The prevalence of hyperkalemia in the US is estimated at 1,550 per 100,000 population.
2
Disease course
Mild and moderate hyperkalemia are usually asymptomatic. Severe cases may manifest as muscle weakness, ascending paralysis, heart palpitations, and paresthesias. ECG changes associated with hyperkalemia include peaked T waves, P-wave flattening, PR-interval prolongation, widening of the QRS complex, and sine waves.
2
Prognosis and risk of recurrence
The prognosis of hyperkalemia is dependent on the severity of the condition and the promptness of treatment. Severe untreated hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
1
Guidelines
Key sources
The following summarized guidelines for the evaluation and management of hyperkalemia are prepared by our editorial team based on guidelines from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP 2023), the United Kingdom Kidney Association (UKKA 2023), the American Heart Association (AHA 2020), and the Guidelines and Audit Implementation Network (GAIN 2014).
1
2
3
4
5
6