Can a High Level of Potassium Cause Swelling?

Potassium is a bloodstream-carried mineral that assists muscle and nerve communication and helps facilitate movement of nutrients and waste. Although an abnormally high level of blood potassium has significant consequences, swelling is not among them.

The Facts

Normal levels of blood potassium range from 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter, according to the Mayo Clinic. Values above 6.0 mEq/L indicate clinically serious high potassium levels, a condition also known as hyperkalemia.

Potential Symptoms

Swelling is not a symptom of hyperkalemia. Medline Plus and the University of Maryland Medical Center list potential hyperkalemia symptoms that include nausea, irregular heartbeat, weakness, fatigue, tingling, numbness, paralysis, breathing difficulties and slow or absent pulse.

Lack of Symptoms

In many cases, individuals with hyperkalemia have no outward symptoms, Medline Plus reports. Doctors typically uncover the condition during other testing procedures.

Emergency Symptoms

Medline Plus recommends immediate medical assistance and treatment for emergency symptoms of hyperkalemia, including loss of consciousness, breathing changes, nausea and weak or absent heartbeat.

Treatment

Treatment for hyperkalemia involves control of immediate symptoms, followed by treatment of the underlying cause, Medline Plus notes.

References

• The Mayo Clinic: Hyperkalemia (High Potassium) - Definition
• Medline Plus - U.S. National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health: Hyerkalemia
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Hyperkalemia