Hyperkalemia Center - Cambridge, MACambridge 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 Cambridge * Youville Hospital & Rehabilitation Center  Youville Hospital & Rehabilitation Center  Youville Hospital & Rehabilitation Center  Youville Hospital & Rehabilitation Center  Youville Hospital & Rehabilitation Center  Youville Hospital & Rehabilitation Center  Youville Hospital & Rehabilitation Center  Cambridge Health Alliance  Zinberg Clinic  Zinberg Clinic  Primary Care Center  Cambridge Health Alliance  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Zinberg Clinic  Cambridge Health Alliance Emergency Dept  Cambridge Health Alliance  Cambridge Health Alliance  Cambridge Health Alliance Primary Care Center  Cambridge Hospital Medical Specialists  Cambridge Health Alliance Cardiology  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Cambridge Hospital Medical Specialists  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Cambridge Health Alliance  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Cambridge Health Alliance  Cambridge Health Alliance  Cambridge Health Alliance  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Cambridge Health Alliance  Primary Care Center  Cambridge Health Alliance Cardiology  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Cambridge Health Alliance  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Cambridge Health Alliance  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Cambridge Health Alliance Windsor St Health Center  Cambridge Health Alliance Windsor St Health Center  Richard Donahue MD  Harvard University Health Services  Harvard University Health Services  Harvard University Health Services  Richard Donahue MD  Harvard University Health Services  Richard Donahue MD  Harvard University Health Services  Richard Donahue MD  Harvard University Health Services  Harvard University Health Services  Harvard University Health Services  Harvard University Health Services  MIT Medical Department Internal Medicine  MIT Medical  MIT Medical Department Internal Medicine  Mit Medical  MIT Medical  MIT Medical  MAHC At Union Square  Somerville Primary Care  Somerville Primary Care  Somerville Primary Care  Somerville Primary Care  Michael Gottlieb MD  Somerville Primary Care  Somerville Primary Care  Somerville Primary Care  MAHC At Union Square  Margaret Sablove MD  Commonwealth Medical Group  Commonwealth Medical Group  Commonwealth Medical Group  William W Li MD  The Harvard Institute of Proteomics  Commonwealth Medical Group  Barbara L Opray MD  Pastor Medical Group  Kim E Bowman MD  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Brigham & Womens Primary Care Associates of Brookline  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Edalji & Komer MDs  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associated Endocrinology  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates  Brigham & Womens Primary Care Associates of Brookline  Harvard Medical School Ambulatory Care & Prevention  Edalji & Komer MDs  Pastor Medical Group  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Internal Medicine  Brigham & Womens Primary Care Associates of Brookline Cambridge, MassachusettsUpcoming Local Events2012-05-26
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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 Cambridge
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