CAUSES OF HIGH POTASSIUM

Causes of High Potassium
High levels of potassium in blood cause a condition known as hyperkalemia. A kidney disorder is the major cause of this condition. Read the article to learn about the various other causes of high potassium levels in blood...Potassium is an essential mineral required for proper development and functioning of the body. Potassium helps in regulating tissues of the muscles, supports the digestion process, maintains balance between the various chemical processes and is also involved in the metabolism process. The most important function of potassium is to maintain a proper heart beat and prevent occurrence of any heart diseases.

Anything in excess is not good, and the same holds for potassium. High potassium levels in humans lead to a disease called hyperkalemia. More often than not, the inability of kidneys to effectively filter out potassium from blood, is one of the major causes of high potassium in blood.

What Causes High Levels of Potassium in Blood

The following are some of the common causes of high potassium levels in blood:

Adrenal Malfunction
The adrenal glands which are located next to the kidneys, secrete a hormone aldostrone, which makes the kidneys excrete potassium through urine. Thus, any adrenal dysfunction can be a cause of high potassium levels in the body. Addison's disease, is a common ailment which can cause an adrenal malfunction.

Kidney Disorder
High potassium levels are mostly a result of a kidney damage or any form of kidney diseases, as kidneys are responsible for letting out the potassium from the body through urine. Chronic renal failure, lupus nephritis and transplant rejections are usual causes of kidney damage subsequently causing high potassium levels in blood. An alteration in the dialysis treatment for kidney patients can cause high levels of potassium in the body and also increase chances of a heart attack.