Hyperkalemia 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.

The most common cause of genuinely high potassium (hyperkalemia) is related to your kidneys, such as:

1. Acute kidney failure
2. Chronic kidney disease

Other causes of hyperkalemia include:

1. Addison's disease (adrenal failure)
2. Alcoholism or heavy drug use that causes rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown of muscle fibers that results in the release of potassium into the bloodstream
3. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
4. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
5. Destruction of red blood cells due to severe injury or burns
6. Excessive use of potassium supplements
7. Type 1 diabetes

Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Source: mayoclinic.org

Talk to your doctor about what your results mean. You may need to change a medication that's affecting your potassium level, or you may need to treat another medical condition that's causing your high potassium level. Treatment of high potassium is often directed at the underlying cause. In some instances, you may need emergency medications or dialysis.

If you have symptoms of hyperkalemia and have reason to think your potassium level might be high, call your doctor immediately. Hyperkalemia is a serious and potentially life-threatening disorder. It can cause:

• Muscle fatigue
• Weakness
• Paralysis
• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Nausea

Source: mayoclinic.org