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Disorders Of Potassium
Overview
Disorders of potassium in the context of kidney function typically involve abnormal levels of potassium in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia or hypokalemia. The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of potassium in the body by filtering and excreting excess potassium through urine.
Normal kidney function keeps your level of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and chloride) within a healthy range. This allows electrical impulses to be sent to the brain, muscles, and heart without short-circuiting. Electrolyte imbalances may be caused by an underlying systemic disease.
Symptoms and Causes
Hyperkalemia (High Potassium):
Impaired Excretion: Kidney disorders, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury (AKI), can reduce the kidneys’ ability to excrete potassium efficiently.
Medication Side Effects: Some medications used to treat kidney-related issues, like certain diuretics or drugs that affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, may lead to increased potassium levels.
Metabolic Acidosis: Conditions that cause metabolic acidosis, often associated with kidney dysfunction, can also contribute to hyperkalemia.
Hypokalemia (Low Potassium):
Increased Excretion: Certain kidney disorders can result in excessive loss of potassium through urine, leading to low blood potassium levels.
Diuretics Usage: Some diuretic medications commonly prescribed for conditions such as hypertension can increase urinary potassium excretion.
Renal Tubular Acidosis (RTA): This is a group of kidney disorders where the kidneys fail to excrete acid properly, affecting potassium balance.
Renal Tubular Acidosis (RTA):
This is a condition where the renal tubules do not properly acidify urine, leading to a buildup of acid in the blood and a loss of potassium in the urine.
Symptoms
- Heart palpitations or changes in heart rate
- Muscle aches
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Weakness
Special care should be taken in these situations. High potassium can be fatal to your heart, and may cause life-threatening arrhythmias that can alter your heart’s ability to function properly.
Diagnosis And Treatment
If you have chronic kidney disease or have ever had any of the any of the electrolyte imbalances previously mentioned (Potassium or Sodium), make an appointment with a kidney doctor to discuss possible causes and prevention methods to keep your health optimal and avoid complications.