Hyperkalemia Center - Jonesboro, ARJonesboro 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 Jonesboro * St Bernards Senior Health Clinic  NEA Clinic Matthews  St Bernards Senior Health Clinic  NEA Clinic Matthews  NEA Clinic Matthews  Area Health Education Center  General L Cranfill MD  Clopton Clinic  Clopton Clinic  Clopton Clinic  Clopton Clinic  Clopton Clinic  Clopton Clinic  Clopton Clinic  Clopton Clinic  Clopton Clinic  Clopton Clinic  Clopton Clinic  Jason R Casey MD  NEA Baptist Hospital  Jonesboro Internal Medicine  Cardiology Associates  Adalberto Fonticiella MD  Family Medical Center  Newport Diagnostic Clinic  Roger L Green MD  Ching-Shan Lin MD  Piggott Family Medicine Clinic  Sudesh Banaji MD  Frank Schwartz MD  Family Medicine Associates of Blytheville PA  Family Medicine Associates of Blytheville PA  Midsouth Medicine Psychiatry PA  Joe Jones MD  Sudhir Kumar MD  Mid-South Renal Clinic PLC  West Memphis Internal Medicine  Bennett L Rudorfer MD  Barr & Denton MDs  Barr & Denton MDs  Barr & Denton MDs  Internal Medicine Associates Of West Memphis  Mid South Weight Loss Clinic  James L Miller MD  Internal Medicine Associates Of West Memphis  Internal Medicine Associates Of West Memphis  Internal Medicine Associates Of West Memphis  East Arkansas Family Health Center Inc  East Arkansas Family Health Center Inc  White River Diagnostic Clinic  White River Diagnostic Clinic  White River Diagnostic Clinic  Robin C Williams MD  Robert Walton MD  Cherokee Village Primary Care Physicians  Cherokee Village Primary Care Physicians  Cherokee Village Primary Care Physicians  Medical Center Clinic of Izard County LLC  Searcy Medical Center Internal Medicine  Searcy Medical Center Internal Medicine  Searcy Medical Center Internal Medicine  Searcy Medical Center Internal Medicine  Searcy Medical Center Internal Medicine  Raul R Ramirez MD  Salem Clinic  Paul David Kauffman MD  Reddy P Tukivakala MD  Irvin-Dibrell Medical Clinic Jonesboro, ArkansasUpcoming 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 Jonesboro
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