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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffHyperkalemia is the medical term that describes a potassium level in your blood that's higher than normal. Potassium is a nutrient that is critical to the function of nerve and muscle cells, including those in your heart.
Your blood potassium level is normally 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Having a blood potassium level higher than 7.0 mmol/L can be dangerous and requires immediate treatment.
References
- Laboratory reference values. Potassium values. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. July 2011.
- Pulmonary function, arterial blood gases and electrolyte studies. In: Fischbach FT, et al. A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Wolters Kluwer Health Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:944.
- Mount DB. Clinical manifestations of hyperkalemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 17, 2011.
- Rose BD. Causes of hyperkalemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 17, 2011.
- Mount DB. Treatment and prevention of hyperkalemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 17, 2011.
- Wilkinson J (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 19, 2011.
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