Hyperkalemia Center - Providence, RIProvidence 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 Providence * Anchor Medical Associates  Anchor Medical Associates  Anchor Medical Associates  Anchor Medical Associates  Anchor Medical Associates  Anchor Medical Associates  Brown University Health Science Center  Brown University Health Science Center  Women's Health  Women's Health  Women's Health  University Medicine Foundation  Andrew Bostom MD  Women's Health  Women's Health  Rhode Island Hospital Ambulatory Patient Care Clinic  Univeristy Medicine Foundation  Univeristy Medicine Foundation  Rhode Island Hospital  Rhode Island Hospital  University Medicine Foundation  Univeristy Medicine Foundation  Rhode Island Hospital  University Emergency Medicine Foundation  Rhode Island Hospital Ambulatory Patient Care Clinic  Women's Health  Rhode Island Hospital Infectious Disease  Univeristy Medicine Foundation  Women's Health  Univeristy Medicine Foundation  University Medicine Foundation  Univeristy Medicine Foundation  Rhode Island Hospital Ambulatory Patient Care Clinic  Women's Health  Lewis R Weiner MD  Women & Infants Hospital  Women's and Infants Hospital  Women's and Infants Hospital  Women & Infants Hospital  Center for Womens Primary Care  Women & Infants Hospital  Women & Infants Hospital  Women & Infants Hospital  Women & Infants Hospital  Rhode Island Cardiology Center  University Medicine Foundation Inc  Rhode Island Cardiology Center  The Breast Health Center  David Steigman MD  Richard B Turner MD  Hope Medical Group  Capital Hill Health Center  Providence Community Health Centers  Providence Community Health Centers  Pasquale Mastrostefano MD  Hope Medical Group  Providence Community Health Centers  Edward Olchowski MD & Sheldon Kaplan MD  Edward Olchowski MD & Sheldon Kaplan MD  Lynn H Sommerville MD PhD  University Medicine Foundation Inc  University Medicine Foundation Inc  Providence Community Health Centers  Providence Community Health Centers  Endocrine Treatment Center Inc  University Medicine Foundation Inc  Christopher W Ley MD  University Medicine Foundation Inc  Emilio Rodriguez-Peris MD  University Medicine Foundation Inc  Magdi Salmon MD  University Medicine Foundation Inc  David L Kitzes MD  Providence Cardiology Inc  Providence Community Health Centers  Marc Weinberg MD  Providence VA Medical Center  Wayland Medical Associates  Providence VA Medical Center  Providence VA Medical Center  Providence VA Medical Center  Providence VA Medical Center  Cahasee Health Center  Wayland Medical Associates  Wayland Medical Associates  Providence VA Medical Center  Jean Smith MD  Providence VA Medical Center  Providence VA Medical Center  Providence VA Medical Center  Rheumatology Associates  Michael Bonitati MD  University Medical Group  University Medical Group  Rheumatology Associates  Rheumatology Associates  Rheumatology Associates  University Medical Group  Rheumatology Associates  University Medical Group Providence, Rhode IslandUpcoming Local Events2012-06-10
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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 Providence
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