The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
- Hyperkalemia is a common electrolyte disorder with plasma potassium (K) concentration >5.5 mEq/L (>5.0 mmol/L).
- Hyperkalemia depresses cardiac conduction and can lead to fatal arrhythmias.
- Normal K regulation:
- Ingested K enters portal circulation, pancreas releases insulin in response. Insulin facilitates K entry into cells.
- K in renal circulation causes renin release from juxtaglomerular cells, leading to activation of angiotensin I, converted to angiotensin II in lungs. Angiotensin II acts in adrenal zona glomerulosa to stimulate aldosterone secretion. Aldosterone, at the renal collecting ducts, causes K to be excreted and Na to be retained.
- 4 major causes:
- Increased load: Either endogenous from tissue release or exogenous from a high intake, which is usually in association ...
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