Hyperkalemia Center - Champaign, ILChampaign 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 Champaign * Christie Clinic  Kavitha Raman MD  Frances Nelson Health Center  Carle Clinic Urbana on Windsor  Carle Clinic Urbana on Windsor  Carle Clinic Urbana on Windsor  Carle Clinic Urbana on Windsor  Carle Clinic Hospitalist  Carle Clinic Hospitalist  Carle Clinic Hospitalist  Carle Clinic Urbana on Windsor  Carle Clinic Urbana on Windsor  Carle Clinic Urbana on Windsor  Carle Clinic Hospitalist  Carle Clinic Urbana on Windsor  Carle Clinic Hospitalist  Carle Clinic Urbana on Windsor  Pathanjali Saravanan MD  Lalitha Yekkirala MD  Christie Clinic Internal Medicine  Kathleen Collins MD  Christie Clinic Internal Medicine  Christie Clinic Internal Medicine  Christie Clinic Internal Medicine  Christie Clinic Internal Medicine  Christie Clinic Internal Medicine  Christie Clinic Internal Medicine  Saim Maqsood MD  Carle Clinic Champaign on Curtis  Carle Clinic Champaign on Curtis  Carle Clinic Champaign on Curtis  Carle Clinic Champaign on Curtis  Carle Clinic Champaign on Curtis  Carle Clinic Champaign on Curtis  Carle Clinic Champaign on Curtis  Carle Clinic Champaign on Curtis  Rural Health Center  Christie Clinic  James Manint MD  Carle Clinic Associates  Carle Foundation Physician Services  Carl Johnson MD  Carle Clinic Associates  Julian M Vassay MD  Shailesh C Zaveri MD  Carlos F Gotardo MD  Carlos F Gotardo MD  Carlos F Gotardo MD  Manouchehr Ravaee MD  Brijnandan Sodhi MD  Muhammad Mushtaq MD  Carle Clinic Associates  Carle Clinic Associates  Carle Clinic Associates  Sullivan Family Care  Professional Center  Kiran V Joag MD  Kiran V Joag MD  Naran P Dodia MD  IMH Gillman Clinic  Subramanian Kolandaivelu MD  Rural Health Center  Farrukh Kureishy MD  Ahmad H Ahmad MD  George Duncan MD  Macon County Associates  Macon County Associates  Macon County Associates  William A Kuhn MD  Lung Center  Lung Center  Decatur Memorial Hospital  David W Baumberger MD  Kidney Specialists  Kidney Specialists  Midwest Internal Medicine  John W Newlin MD  Kidney Specialists  Keith R Smith MD  Gregory L Totel MD  Carlos Fior MD  Harriet K Held MD  Reid E Sutton MD  Herbert C Fritz MD  OSF Medical Group Internal Medicine  OSF Medical Group Internal Medicine  OSF Medical Group Internal Medicine  OSF Medical Group Internal Medicine  OSF Medical Group Internal Medicine  OSF Medical Group Internal Medicine  Medical Hills Internists  Medical Hills Internists  Medical Hills Internists  Medical Hills Internists  Medical Hills Internists  Medical Hills Internists  Medical Hills Internists  Medical Hills Internists  Medical Hills Internists  Medical Hills Internists Champaign, IllinoisUpcoming Local Events2012-05-28
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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 Champaign
Nearby Champaign Hospitals *The Pavilion Provena Covenant Medical Center Carle Foundation Hospital John & Mary E Kirby Hospital Gibson Area Hospital Provena United Samaritans Medical Center VA Illiana Health Care System Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
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