Hyperkalemia differential diagnosis


 * Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [mailto:psingh@perfuse.org]

Overview
Hyperkalemia is an elevated blood level (above 5.0 mmol/L) of the electrolyte potassium. Hyperkalemia often has no symptoms. Occasionally, people may have the following symptoms:Irregular heartbeat, nausea, slow, weak, or absent pulse. Extreme degrees of hyperkalemia are considered a medical emergency due to the risk of potentially fatal arrhythmias. A detailed history taking is very helpful in diagnosing the cause of hyperkalemia.