Hyperkalaemia is defined as a higher-than-normal level of potassium in the blood.

What is Potassium (K+)?

• An electrolyte (a mineral that carries an electrical charge).

• Primarily found inside cells.

• Necessary for normal function of cells, nerves and muscles.

• Sends electrical signals so that your heart pumps correctly.

• Extracellular potassium needs to be regulated tightly.

Potassium levels:

• Renal disease – Acute kidney injury and Chronic kidney disease.

• Drugs - ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, potassium sparing diuretics (important in CKD & heart failure), potassium supplementation.

• Cell lysis – rhabdomyolysis, tumour lysis syndrome, trauma and burns.

• Pseudo-hyperkalaemia (a false elevation). Can be caused by prolonged tourniquet time, haemolysis due to blood sampling technique/ handling, marked leucocytosis and thrombocytosis (measure plasma not serum in these disease states), or sample taken from limb with intravenous (IV) fluids containing potassium.

• Acidosis - metabolic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis

• Hypoaldosteronism states: mineralocorticoid deficiency, hypoadrenalism