Hyperkalemia Center - Bellingham, WABellingham Internist Doctors for HyperkalemiaType of Physician: Internist What is a Internist? A certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners provide long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common illnesses and complex problems for adolescents, adults, and the elderly. General internists are trained in primary care internal medicine, which incorporates an understanding of disease prevention, wellness, substance abuse, mental health and treatment of problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs. All internists are trained in the subspecialty areas of internal medicine including emergency internal medicine and critical care. Internists consult with surgeons when surgical management is indicated, and often act as consultants to other specialists. Specialty: Internal Medicine Common Name: Internist Doctors in Bellingham * Northstar Associates PLLC  Northstar Associates PLLC  Bellingham Medical Clinic  Bellingham Medical Clinic  Squalicum Family Medical  Senior Health Center  Douglas Wynne MD  Eduardo Goo MD  Bellwether Medical Center  Peace Health Medical Group  Peace Health Medical Group  Peace Health Medical Group  Peace Health Medical Group  Peace Health Medical Group  Peace Health Medical Group  Peace Health Medical Group  Peace Health Medical Group  Peace Health Medical Group  Peace Health Medical Group  Peace Health Medical Group  Peace Health Medical Group  Lummi Health Clinic  Fidalgo Medical Associates  Fidalgo Medical Associates  Island Internal Medicine  Island Internal Medicine  Island Internal Medicine  North Cascade Internal Medicine  North Cascade Internal Medicine  North Cascade Internal Medicine  Sea Mar Community Health Center  La Connor Medical Center  Skagit Valley Hospital Hospitalists  Skagit Valley Hospital Hospitalists  Skagit Valley Medical Center  Skagit Valley Medical Center  Skagit Valley Medical Center  Skagit Valley Hospital Hospitalists  Skagit Valley Medical Center  Skagit Valley Medical Center  Skagit Valley Hospital Hospitalists  Skagit Valley Hospital Hospitalists  Oak Harbor Internal Medicine  Oak Harbor Internal Medicine  Whidbey Medical Clinic  F James Beckner Jr. MD  The Everett Clinic at Stanwood  The Coupeville Clinic  The Coupeville Clinic  Whidbey Island Internal Medicine  Amparo Franco MD  Cascade Valley Smokey Point Clinic  Richard R Lynn MD  Providence Physician Group  Providence Physician Group  Jefferson General Medical Group  Jefferson General Medical Group  Jefferson General Medical Group  Everett Clinic Marysville  Everett Clinic Marysville  Everett Clinic Marysville  Everett Clinic Marysville  Everett Clinic Marysville  Everett Clinic Marysville  Everett Clinic Marysville  Everett Clinic Marysville  Everett Clinic Marysville  Santosa Ho MD  Ann B Cutcher MD  Providence Regional Hospital Hospitalist  Providence Regional Hospital Hospitalist  Providence Physician Group  Providence Physician Group  Providence Physician Group North Everett Internal Medicine  Providence Physician Group North Everett Internal Medicine  Providence Physician Group  Community Health Center  Everett Clinic Internal Medicine  Everett Clinic Internal Medicine  Everett Clinic Internal Medicine  Everett Clinic Main Campus  Everett Clinic Internal Medicine  Everett Clinic Internal Medicine  Everett Clinic Internal Medicine  The Everett Clinic-Walk In Clinic  Everett Clinic Internal Medicine  Everett Clinic Main Campus  The Everett Walk In Clinic at Lake Stevens  Madhurina X Roy MD  Everett Clinic Harbor Point  Everett Clinic Harbor Point  Providence Physician Group Harbour Pointe  Everett Clinic Silverlake  Providence Internal Medicine  Sequim Medical Associates  Pacific Primary Care  Everett Clinic  Joe B Corn MD  Harry E Lyndes III MD  Everett Clinic Bellingham, WashingtonUpcoming Local Events2012-06-03
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Hyperkalemia (High Blood Potassium)Read the Hyperkalemia (High Blood Potassium) article » What is hyperkalemia?Hyperkalemia is common; it is diagnosed in up to 8% of hospitalized patients in the U.S. Fortunately, most patients have mild hyperkalemia (which is usually well tolerated). However, any condition causing even mild hyperkalemia should be treated to prevent progression into more severe hyperkalemia. Extremely high levels of potassium in the blood (severe hyperkalemia) can lead to cardiac arrest and death. When not recognized and treated properly, severe hyperkalemia results in a mortality rate of about 67%. Technically, hyperkalemia means an abnormally elevated level of potassium in the blood. The normal potassium level in the blood is 3.5-5.0 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Potassium levels between 5.1 mEq/L to 6.0 mEq/L reflect mild hyperkalemia. Potassium levels of 6.1 mEq/L to 7.0 mEq/L are moderate hyperkalemia, and levels above 7 mEq/L are severe hyperkalemia.
How does hyperkalemia affect the body?Potassium is critical for the normal functioning of the muscles, heart, and nerves. It plays an important role in controlling activity of smooth muscle (such as the muscle found in the digestive tract) and skeletal muscle (muscles of the extremities and torso), as well as the muscles of the heart. It is also important for normal transmission of electrical signals throughout the nervous system within the body. Normal blood levels of potassium are critical for maintaining normal heart electrical rhythm. Both low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia) and high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can lead to abnormal heart rhythms. The most important clinical effect of hyperkalemia is related to electrical rhythm of the heart. While mild hyperkalemia probably has a limited effect on the heart, moderate hyperkalemia can produce EKG changes (EKG is an electrical reading of the heart muscles), and severe hyperkalemia can caus... Recommended Reading Related to Hyperkalemia (High Blood Potassium)What are electrolytes?Chemically, electrolytes are substances that become ions in solution and acquire the capacity to conduct electricity. Electrolytes are present in the human body, and the balance of the electrolytes in our bodies is essential for normal function of our cells and our organs. Common electrolytes that are measured by doctors with blood testing include sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. The functions and normal range values for these electrolytes are described below.
SodiumSodium is the major positive ion (cation) in fluid outside of cells. The chemical notation for sodium is Na+. When combined with chloride, the resulting substance is table salt. Excess sodium (such as that obtained from dietary sources) is excreted in the urine. Sodium regulates the total amount of water in the body and the transmission of sodium into and out of individual cells also plays a role in critical body funct... Other Related Hyperkalemia ArticlesEmergency Contact for Bellingham
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