Hyperkalemia Center - Logan, UTLogan 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 Logan * Treehouse Pediatrics  Intermountain Health Center Budge Clinic  Jeffrey M Huffman MD  Intermountain Health Center Budge Clinic  Steven S Salisbury MD  Intermountain Health Center Budge Clinic  Intermountain Health Center Budge Clinic  Intermountain Health Center Budge Clinic  Intermountain Health Center Budge Clinic  Logan Regional Hospital  Russell N Hirst Jr. MD  Medical Arts Center Clinic  McKay-Dee Hospital Internal Medicine Clinic  McKay-Dee Hospital Internal Medicine Clinic  McKay-Dee Hospital Internal Medicine Clinic  McKay-Dee Hospital Internal Medicine Clinic  Ogden Pulmonary Associates  McKay-Dee Hospital Internal Medicine Clinic  Nephrology of Northern Utah PC  Drs Christensen & Kelson  Richard J Herold MD  Drs Christensen & Kelson  Nephrology of Northern Utah PC  Ogden Internal Medicine  Ogden Internal Medicine  Ogden Internal Medicine  IMC Intermountain Multi-Specialty Clinic  Davis Internal Medicine  Tanner Clinic  Tanner Clinic  Tanner Clinic  Tanner Clinic  Allan C Edson DO PC  Tanner Clinic  IHC Instacare Bountiful  IHC Health Center Bountiful  David G Horsley MD  IHC Instacare Bountiful  IHC Instacare Bountiful  IHC Instacare Bountiful  June M Steely MD  Tyler R Williams MD  Regina Drueding MD  Val R Hansen MD  Joseph D Jensen MD  William T Sadler MD  Russell B Shields MD  Lakeview Internal Medicine and Surgery  University of Utah Hospital Internal Medicine  University of Utah Cardiology  University of Utah Hospital Internal Medicine  University of Utah Hospital Rheumatology  University of Utah Hospital Internal Medicine  University of Utah Infectious Disease Clinic  University Hospital Emergency Dept  University of Utah Hospital Internal Medicine  University Of Utah Dermatology  Geriatric Clinic  University of Utah Cardiology  University of Utah Hospital Internal Medicine  University of Utah Hospital Internal Medicine  City Creek Internal Medicine  University of Utah Nephrology  University of Utah Nephrology  University of Utah Hematology & Bone Marrow Transplant  University of Utah Nephrology  Avenues Internal Medicine  University of Utah School of Medicine  City Creek Internal Medicine  University of Utah Nephrology  University of Utah Nephrology  Avenues Internal Medicine  City Creek Internal Medicine  James E Pearl MD  Avenues Internal Medicine  University of Utah Nephrology  LDS Hospital Infection Disease  IHC LDS LBB_Hospital Emergency  IHC LDS LBB_Hospital Emergency  LDS Hospital Infectious Diseases  Huntsman Cancer Institute Hematology & Oncology  Lucinda Bateman MD  Salt Lake Regional Medical Center  Salt Lake Senior Clinic  Gut Whisperer  Salt Lake Senior Clinic  Salt Lake Senior Clinic  Salt Lake Senior Clinic  Salt Lake Senior Clinic  Ronald W Ward MD  Alpine Medical Group Internal Medicine  Alpine Medical Group Internal Medicine  Alpine Medical Group Internal Medicine  Alpine Medical Group Internal Medicine  University of Utah Health Science Center Family Practice  Alpine Medical Group Internal Medicine  Exam One  Douglas E Rollins MD  IHC Bryner Clinic Internal Medicine  IHC Bryner Clinic Internal Medicine Logan, UtahUpcoming Local Events2012-06-17
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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 Logan
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