0 a condition in which there is too much potassium in the blood, which may be caused by diuretics (= substances that increase the production of urine) having been used too often or kidney failure
Positive benefits on morbidity and mortality were found without serious hyperkalaemia.
In older patients there is a greater risk of hyperkalaemia due to reduced renal function.
Potassium-sparing diuretics and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole produce hyperkalaemia by interfering with potassium secretion in the distal part of the nephron.
Correction of acid-base disturbances will also alleviate hyperkalaemia.
This has clinical consequences: for example, the toxic effects of hyperkalaemia can be mitigated by promoting movement of small amounts of potassium into cells.
Some of the drugs causing hyperkalaemia, and the mechanisms, have already been discussed.
Uncontrolled hyperkalaemia, acidosis and fluid overload are usually the reasons for instituting dialysis.
Patients taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor such as ramipril and the aldosterone antagonist spironolactone can develop life-threatening hyperkalaemia.
