What are the symptoms that occur when potassium levels are too high?

When potassium levels become elevated, resulting in hyperkalemia, it can affect multiple systems in the human body, including muscle weakness and paralysis, cardiac issues, symptoms of the central nervous system, gastrointestinal symptoms, and feelings of fatigue and weakness. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Muscle Weakness and Paralysis

Hyperkalemia disrupts the normal function of neuromuscular cells, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. Symptoms may start with mild weakness in the limbs, gradually worsening, and even affecting respiratory muscles, causing difficulty breathing or respiratory muscle paralysis. In severe cases, there may be hemiplegia, loss of tendon reflexes, and ascending muscle weakness starting from the legs and progressing to the trunk and the back of the hands, ultimately potentially developing into flaccid paralysis.

2. Cardiac Issues

Hyperkalemia has particularly severe effects on the heart, potentially leading to arrhythmias, including bradycardia, ventricular premature contractions, atrioventricular block, and ventricular fibrillation. In severe cases, it can even cause cardiac arrest, endangering life.

3. Symptoms of the Central Nervous System

Hyperkalemia can also cause symptoms of the central nervous system, such as lethargy, headache, dizziness, and confusion. In severe cases, it may lead to coma or even cerebral edema, resulting in death.

4. Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Hyperkalemia can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These symptoms may occur simultaneously with symptoms from other systems, increasing the complexity of diagnosis and treatment.

5. Fatigue and Weakness

Due to the interference of high potassium levels in muscle and nerve cell function, patients often experience fatigue and weakness. This fatigue may persist, affecting daily life and work.

Hyperkalemia is a severe electrolyte imbalance with diverse symptoms that can be life-threatening. Upon the onset of these symptoms, immediate medical attention for diagnosis and treatment is essential. Doctors will take appropriate measures to reduce blood potassium levels based on the patient's specific condition, including medication and dialysis. Additionally, patients should pay attention to their diet and lifestyle habits, avoiding excessive intake of potassium-rich foods and medications to reduce the risk of hyperkalemia.