Hyperkalemia Center - Coral Gables, FLCoral Gables 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 Coral Gables * Robert F DeLuca MD  Armando A Garcia MD  Coral Gables Cardiology Associates  Coral Gables Cardiology Associates  Esther Levin MD PA  Coral Gables Cardiology Associates  Virgilio I Beato MD  Orlando G Cabrera MD  Fernando P Hernandez MD  Edward L Reid MD Face  Primecare of Coral Gables  Ino B Halegua MD  Donato J Arguelles MD  Gabriel M Deschamps MD PA  Executive Health  Executive Health  Denise Erdem MD  Juan A Fernandez MD  Maria Garcia-Rivera MD  Alejandro Loynaz MD  Teresa Martinez MD  Jose Padron MD  Carlos Riveros M.D.  Dadeland Dermatology Group  Anays J Santana-Izquierdo MD PA  Agustin L Torre MD PA  Oscar R Guerra MD  Jose F Landa MD  Luis Garcia-Mayol MD  Quantum Care Inc  Humberto Machado Sr. MD  Humberto C Machado Jr. MD  Eleonor Pimentel MD  Eleonor Pimentel MD  Carlos A Sabates MD  Carlos A Selema MD  Quantum Care Inc  Ramon Carrillo MD  Gabriel A Costa MD  MAS Medical Group  MAS Medical Group  MAS Medical Group  MAS Medical Group  Pulmonary & Critical Care Associates  Pulmonary & Critical Care Associates  Bordenave & Palacios MDs  Miami Medical Consultants PA  Por Tu Salud  Angel A Lazo MD  Antonio H Marquez MD  Miami Medical Consultants PA  Ceferino A Milian MD  Eduardo J Alarcon MD  Juan C Cueto MD  Mario A Delgado-Fernandez MD  Eighth St Medical Group  Roberto Echarri MD  Denio O Fonseca MD  Pulmonary Physicians of South Florida LLC  Jorge A Loredo DO  Pulmonary Physicians of South Florida LLC  Pulmonary Physicians of South Florida LLC  George R Pizarro MD  Jorge M Venereo MD  Villoch & Associates MD PA  Charles Villoch MD  Mario A Almeida MD  Frank J Aranda MD PA  Antonio R Barquet MD  Bernhard L Brijbag DO  Juan M Garces MD PA  Juan M Garces MD PA  Carlos Iglesias MD  Vicente Lago MD  Angel Mendez MD PA  Five Med PHY-MBD  Irma R Rey MD  Bernhard L Brijbag DO  Bernhard L Brijbag DO  Pedro C Roig MD  Comprehensive Patient Care Inc  Richard A Whittington MD  Jose Hernandez-Gala MD  Oscar G Galvez MD PA  Alberto L Martinez-Azoy MD  Leon Medical Centers Inc  Leon Medical Centers Inc  Max Pazos MD  Kathryn Villano MD PLC  Continucare Medical Center  Jorge E Gagliardi MD  Continucare Medical Center  Raul E Herrera MD  Coconut Grove Medical Corporation  Continucare Medical Center  Continucare Medical Center  Continucare Medical Center  University of Miami Health System Internal Medicine  Pedro L Carrillo MD  University of Miami Health System Internal Medicine Coral Gables, FloridaUpcoming 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 Coral Gables
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