He Potassium is a mineral necessary for the proper functioning of your body. It is key to growth and participates in important bodily functions such as muscle contraction or nerve transmission.
Because of this role, it is necessary to ingest the recommended levelsAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), the daily requirement is around 3,510 mg of potassium, which can be achieved through bananas and other healthy foods such as vegetables and legumes.
Consuming less than adequate amounts can lead to increased blood pressure, reduced calcium in the bones and an increased risk of kidney stones.
The excess is eliminated through urine, but sometimes there are high blood potassium levels. This can also lead to health problems, leading to hyperkalemia, a condition associated with heart disorders and kidney disease.
What causes high potassium in the blood?
The potassium level in the blood is normally 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter.(mmol/L). Having a blood potassium level greater than 5.5 mmol/L can be dangerous and usually requires treatment, according to the American Heart Association.
The most common cause is usually related to a poor kidney function, for example, acute kidney failure or chronic kidney disease, the Mayo Clinic notes.
The use of certain medications and potassium supplements can lead to high levels. Other causes may include:
- Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency)
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers
- Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
- Beta blockers
- Dehydration
- Destruction of red blood cells due to severe injuries or burns
- Type 1 Diabetes
Symptoms
It can be complex to diagnose, because it does not always cause changes in the body. When it does, the high potassium symptoms can be:
- Nausea
- Slow, weak, or irregular pulse
- Sudden fainting if the heart rate slows down.
- Irritability
- Numbness, usually in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
- Muscle weakness.
- Diarrhea or abdominal cramps
While mild cases are easy to treat, a Severe hyperkalemia can lead to fatal arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) if left untreated, warns the American Heart Association.
It is normal for a high level of potassium is detected in an analysis that your doctor orders routinely or to diagnose another problem.
However, the Mayo Clinic advises consulting a doctor if you have symptoms compatible with those mentioned, “especially if you have kidney disease or are taking medications that increase potassium levels.” Also if you detect changes in an electrocardiogram.
How to treat it
Depending on the severity, treatment may include intravenous calcium or glucose, kidney dialysis, or medication.
Although foods to include or avoid should be advised by a doctor. Among the Tips for reducing the amount of potassium in your diet, According to theThe Department of Health of La Rioja includes:
Soaking legumes, potatoes, vegetables and greens removes 75% of potassiumas well as changing the water halfway through cooking. Give preference to frozen foods over fresh ones because they contain less of this mineral.
Inter alia foods that contain a lot of potassium These include: salt substitutes, milk, coffee, juice from certain vegetables and some dehydrated beverage preparations.
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Tags: Food, Diseases, Health, Healthy Living