Hyperkalemia Center - Lexington, KYLexington 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 Lexington * Kentucky Internal Medicine Group  UK Internal Medicine  Lexington Fay County Health Department  University Medicine Associates  University Medicine Associates  University Medicine Associates  University Medicine Associates  University Medicine Associates  University Medicine Associates  University Medicine Associates  University Medicine Associates  University Medicine Associates  University Medicine Associates  Women's Health and Rheumatology  Digestive Diseases & Nutrition  University Medicine Associates  Digestive Diseases & Nutrition  University Medicine Associates  University Medicine Associates  University Medicine Associates  University Medicine Associates  Lexington Clinic South Broadway Endocrinology  Lexington Clinic South Broadway Internal Medicine  Lexington Clinic South Broadway Internal Medicine  Lexington Clinic South Broadway Internal Medicine  Lexington Clinic South Broadway Internal Medicine  Lexington VA Medical Center  Lexington VA Medical Center  Lexington VA Medical Center  Lexington VA Medical Center  Lexington VA Medical Center  Lexington VA Medical Center  Internal Medicine Associates  Central Kentucky Medical Group PSC  Bluegrass Internal Medicine Group PLLC  Palliative Care Center of the Bluegrass  Internal Medicine Associates  Bluegrass Medical Group  Drs Corales & VonUnrug  Central Kentucky Medical Group PSC  Bluegrass Medical Group  Cardiology Associates of Kentucky  Internal Medicine Associates  Palliative Care Center of the Bluegrass  Internal Medicine Associates  Kentucky Inpatient Medicine Assoc  Internal Medicine of Lexington  Internal Medicine Associates  Bluegrass Internal Medicine Group PLLC  Kentucky Inpatient Medicine Assoc  Bluegrass Medical Group  Central Kentucky Medical Group PSC  Drs Corales & VonUnrug  Kentucky Inpatient Medicine Assoc  Bluegrass Medical Group  Baptist Internal Medicine Group  Baptist Internal Medicine Group  Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital  Borders & Borders MDs & Associates PSC  Borders & Borders MDs & Associates PSC  Michael L Carr MD  Central Internal Medicine  Terrance G Furlow MD  Borders & Borders MDs & Associates PSC  Central Internal Medicine  Borders & Borders MDs & Associates PSC  Borders & Borders MDs & Associates PSC  Central Internal Medicine  Barry N Purdom MD  Borders & Borders MDs & Associates PSC  Central Internal Medicine  Northside family Medical  Northside family Medical  Summer Hill Primary Care  Kentucky Clinic South  Kentucky Clinic South  Baptist Internal Medicine Group  Allergy, Asthma & Immunology PSC  Baptist Internal Medicine Group  Lexington Clinic Andover  Balance Health & Wellness Center  Winchester Medical Associates  Lexington Clinic East Internal Medicine  Lexington Clinic East Internal Medicine  M2K Internal Medicine  Lexington Clinic East Internal Medicine  Lexington Clinic Palomar Family Health Center  Lexington Clinic Palomar Family Health Center  Stella R Staley MD PSC  Blue Grass Renal Care PSC  Lexington Clinic Veterans Park  Lexington Clinic Veterans Park  Lexington Clinic Veterans Park  Baptist Internal & Pediatrics  Baptist Internal & Pediatrics  Baptist Internal & Pediatrics  Baptist Internal & Pediatrics  Georgetown Internal Medicine  Georgetown Internal Medicine  Georgetown Internal Medicine Lexington, KentuckyLexington is the second-largest city in Kentucky
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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 Lexington
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