Hyperkalemia Center - Reading, PAReading 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 Reading * The Reading Hospital Medical Group  Pamela D Murphy DO & Mark E Wagner DO  Reading Hospital  Kristie Zangari DO  Reading Professional Services  Internal Medicine Associates of West Reading  Reading Professional Services  Reading Professional Services  Reading Professional Services  Reading Professional Services  Reading Professional Services  Internal Medicine Associates of West Reading  Internal Medicine Associates of West Reading  Internal Medicine Associates of West Reading  Berks General Medical Group  Berks Family Practice  Genesis Primary Care  The Reading Hospital Medical Group Berkshire Hts Office  The Reading Hospital Medical Group Berkshire Hts Office  The Reading Hospital Medical Group Berkshire Hts Office  The Reading Hospital Medical Group Berkshire Hts Office  The Reading Hospital Medical Group Berkshire Hts Office  The Reading Hospital Medical Group Berkshire Hts Office  Shirish P Parikh MD  The Reading Hospital Medical Group Berkshire Hts Office  The Reading Hospital Medical Group Berkshire Hts Office  The Reading Hospital Medical Group Berkshire Hts Office  The Reading Hospital Medical Group Berkshire Hts Office  Perkiomen Internal Medicine Associates  Healthsouth Rehab Hospital of Reading  N Rahmanian MD  St Joseph Medical Ctr Hospitalists  St Joseph Medical Ctr Hospitalists  St Joseph Medical Ctr Hospitalists  Digestive Disease Associates Ltd  Digestive Disease Associates Ltd  Southeastern Berks Internal Medicine  Southeastern Berks Internal Medicine  Southeastern Berks Internal Medicine  John G Meharg MD  Shillington Internal Medicine Associates  Reading Crest Medical Associates  Reading Crest Medical Associates  Shillington Internal Medicine Associates  Shillington Internal Medicine Associates  Reading Crest Medical Associates  St Lawrence Medical Associates  St Lawrence Medical Associates  Southeastern Berks Internal Medicine  Stanford S Feinberg MD  Lloyd M Wolf III DO  Muhlenberg Medical Associates Ltd  Muhlenberg Medical Associates Ltd  Muhlenberg Medical Associates Ltd  Occupational Health Services  Western Berks Medical Associates  Reading Hospital Medical Group  Wernersville State Hospital  James Nash MD  Allergy & Asthma Center  Allergy & Asthma Center  Internal Medicine Associates  Internal Medicine Associates  PMA Medical Specialists LLC  Heart Specialists of Lancaster PC  Heart Specialists of Lancaster PC  Heart Specialists of Lancaster PC  Heart Specialists of Lancaster PC  Richard Satriale MD  Clayton W Chang MD  PMA Medical Specialists LLC  PMA Medical Specialists LLC  PMA Medical Specialists LLC  Pottstown Medical Specialists  Pottstown Medical Specialists  Pottstown Medical Specialists  Gateway Internal Medicine At Brandywine  Gateway Internal Medicine At Brandywine  Alexander J Klufas MD  Basil Jawad MD  Thomas C Schwab MD  Brandyvine Valley Cardiovascular Associates  Brandyvine Valley Cardiovascular Associates  Brandyvine Valley Cardiovascular Associates  Brandyvine Valley Cardiovascular Associates  Robert A Insalata MD  Whiteland Medical Associates for Progressive Health  Chester County Internal Medicine  Whiteland Medical Associates for Progressive Health  Al Cuozzo MD  Northwestern Medical Center PC  Pottsville Internist Associates  Pottsville Internist Associates  MedCenter 100  Pottsville Internist Associates  Chester County Immediate Care  Chester County Immediate Care  Joseph C MacDonald MD  Ches-Mont Medical Group  Ches-Mont Medical Group Reading, PennsylvaniaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-02
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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 Reading
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