Hyperkalemia Causes
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Hyperkalemia
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Hyperkalemia is a condition characterized by an abnormally high level of potassium in the bloodstream. When this happens, it can to affect a number of organs within your body, as this nutrient is used within both muscular and nervous tissues. You can begin to experience an irregular or uneven heartbeat, respiratory difficulties, fatigue, sensation of numbness or even paralysis. To fully combat the development of high blood potassium, you first need to understand the cause.
Kidney Disease
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Of all the factors that can contribute to hyperkalemia, kidney disease is by far the most common. This is largely due to the way in which the kidneys process this nutrient. When potassium enters the bloodstream, its level is kept in balance by your kidneys through the process of filtration. If these organs aren't functioning as they should, you'll often get a build up of potassium.
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Medications
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It's also possible to see a spike in your potassium levels due to certain medications. Blood pressure medications, like ACE inhibitors, are the leading cause of "pharmaceutical" hyperkalemia, so make sure to have your potassium levels checked when you're on such drugs as enalapril, lisinopril, zestril, ramparil or altace. Each of these is a common angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.
Substance Abuse
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Hyperkalemia has also been linked to some cases of substance abuse, especially when alcohol, cocaine and other narcotics are concerned. With certain types of substance abuse, you can experience a deterioration of muscle, which can increase the level of potassium in your bloodstream.
Hormones
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Sometimes, you can develop hyperkalemia from hormonal deficiencies, namely when the deficit is found in aldosterone. Aldosterone not only regulates the sodium in your bloodstream, but it also controls the balance of potassium, causing you to retain this nutrient to the point where it builds up in your blood.
Injury
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Injuries can also cause you to experience an increase in potassium levels. In some situations, like in cases of more severe burns or injuries, red blood vessels can become damaged or even destroyed. When the amounts of red blood vessels dip, you can suffer a spike in potassium and develop this condition.
Diet
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Diet can play a role in the development of hyperkalemia, namely when maintaining a high protein diet or your eating habits include a great deal of bananas, tomatoes and oranges. It's also possible that salt substitutes may contribute to the condition. Even potassium supplements can increase the level of this nutrient in your blood.
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