Hyperkalemia Center - Harrisburg, PAHarrisburg 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 Harrisburg * Pinnacle Health Internal Medicine  Pinnacle Health Internal Medicine  Pinnacle Health Internal Medicine  Pinnacle Health Internal Medicine  Pinnacle Health Internal Medicine  Pinnacle Health Internal Medicine  Pinnacle Health Internal Medicine  Raymond C Grandon MD  Internists of Central PA  Internists of Central PA  Internists of Central PA  Internists of Central PA  Internists of Central PA  Internists of Central PA  Internists of Central PA  Internists of Central PA  Internists of Central PA  Internists of Central PA  Internists of Central PA  Internists of Central PA  Internists of Central PA  Internists of Central PA  Internists of Central PA  Internists of Central PA  Internists of Central PA  Internists of Central PA  Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Associates  Cummings Associates  Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Associates  Hematology & Oncology Consultants of PA PC  Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Associates  Heritage Medical Group Lab  Hematology & Oncology Consultants of PA PC  Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Associates  Central Pennsylvania Hematology & Medical Oncology Associates PC  Central Pennsylvania Hematology & Medical Oncology Associates PC  Central Pennsylvania Hematology & Medical Oncology Associates PC  Moffitt Heart & Vascular Group  Adult Medicine & Aesthetics LLC  Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology  Francis X Perna MD  Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology  Conner Rich & Associates  Conner Rich & Associates  Conner Rich & Associates  Conner Rich & Associates  Susquehanna Internal Medicine Associates PC  Davis Pulmonary Associates  Susquehanna Internal Medicine Associates PC  Susquehanna Internal Medicine Associates PC  Susquehanna Internal Medicine Associates PC  Susquehanna Internal Medicine Associates PC  Sanford & Roumm Rheumatology  Sanford & Roumm Rheumatology  Ljubisa Stankovic MD  Susquehanna Internal Medicine Associates PC  Azizkhan Internal Medicine Associates  Azizkhan Internal Medicine Associates  Pennsylvania Gastroenterology Consultants  Pennsylvania Gastroenterology Consultants  Azizkhan Internal Medicine Associates  Kline Plaza Medical Center  Center for Kidney Disease & Hypertension LLC  Center for Kidney Disease & Hypertension LLC  Holy Spirit Hospital John R Dietz Emergency Center  Holy Spirit Hospital John R Dietz Emergency Center  Internal Medicine of Mechanics  Edward E LaMarque MD  Pinnacle Health at Harrisburg Hospital  Camp Hill Clinical Research Center  Gadani Associates  Watkin & Nipple Associates  Watkin & Nipple Associates  Michael L Sams DO  Francis Henry Health Center  Watkin & Nipple Associates  Internal Medicine Associates  Internal Medicine Associates  Hampden Physician Associates  Hampden Physician Associates  Andrews & Patel Associates PC  George M Kosco III DO  Kandra Fierer Kuskin Associates Ltd  Kandra Fierer Kuskin Associates Ltd  Kandra Fierer Kuskin Associates Ltd  Howard Roy Cohen MD  Harrisburg Gastroenterology Ltd  Stanley R Goldman MD & Associates  Stanley R Goldman MD & Associates  Stanley R Goldman MD & Associates  William B Bush MD  Acri Internal Medicine Services LLC  Cumberland Valley Endocrinology Center  Internal Medicine of Mechanics  Internal Medicine of Mechanics  James I McMillen MD FACR  Bent Creek Internal Medicine  Lebanon Internal Medicine Assoc  Lebanon Internal Medicine Assoc  Lebanon Internal Medicine Assoc Harrisburg, PennsylvaniaUpcoming 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 Harrisburg
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