Hyperkalemia Center - Savannah, GASavannah 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 Savannah * Memorial Health University Physicians  Memorial Health University Physicians  Chatham Medical Associates  Chatham Medical Associates  Chatham Medical Associates  Chatham Medical Associates  Chatham Medical Associates  Memorial Medical Associates  Memorial Medical Associates  Chatham Medical Associates  Memorial Medical Associates  Medical Associates of Savannah  Memorial Health Internal Medicine  The Rehabilitation Institute at MHUMC  Memorial Health Internal Medicine  Memorial Health Internal Medicine  The Rehabilitation Institute at MHUMC  Memorial Health Internal Medicine  Memorial Health Internal Medicine  Endocrinology Associates  Jeffrey P Schyberg MD  Charles M Pugh Jr. MD  Eisenhower Medical Group  Eisenhower Medical Group  Eisenhower Medical Group  Douglas G Gresham MD PC  Roland S Summers MD LLC  Irwin J Trestman MD  South Coast Medical Group  South Coast Medical Group  South Coast Medical Group  South Coast Medical Group  South Coast Medical Group  South Coast Medical Group  South Coast Medical Group  South Coast Medical Group  South Coast Medical Group  D Ray Gaskin Jr. MD  Chatham County Health Department  Stephen M Herman MD  Memorial Health University Physicians Family Medical Associates  Memorial Health University Physicians Family Medical Associates  St. Joseph's Candler Southside Immediate Care  RTR Medical Group  Costrini Meadows & Rehman MDs  Candler Medical Group  Savannah Diagnostic Associates  Braun Internal Medicine PC  Pooler Parkway Internal Medicine  Memorial Health University Physicians Rincon  Alda Medical Center  Joseph G Hudson MD  South Coast Medical Group  South Coast Medical Group  Memorial Health Richmond Hill  Effingham Medical Partners  Effingham Medical Partners  Hinesville Family Center  LowCountry Medical Clinic  LowCountry Medical Clinic  Sabin A Tomus MD  Glenn Carter MD  Candler Internal Medicine  Candler Internal Medicine  Internal Medicine Associates of Statesboro  Brian A Moogerfeld MD & Maria A Moogerfeld MD  Brian A Moogerfeld MD & Maria A Moogerfeld MD  Emory P Smith III MD  Emory P Smith III MD  Stephen M Jordan MD  Southern Medical Group  Glynn Medical Associates  Glynn Medical Associates  Glynn Medical Associates  Glynn Medical Associates  Robert A Pumpelly MD  Charles Tucker MD  Charles Tucker MD  Golden Isles Family Medicine  David L Lawson MD  Glynn Immediate Care Center  Glynn Immediate Care Center  Malcolm G Wright MD  Heywood K Gay MD  R T Stanley Sr. Health Center  R T Stanley Sr. Health Center  Appling Medical Group  Appling Medical Group  South Georgia Medical Associates  South Georgia Medical Associates  Garland L Martin MD PC  Vidalia Medical Associates  Vidalia Medical Associates  Meadows Regional Hospital  Meadows Regional Medical Center Hospitalist Program  Allergy & Asthma Clinic/Acute Care Clinic  Woodbine Family Care Center  David Paine MD  Vijitha P Prasad MD  Medical Specialists Inc Savannah, GeorgiaUpcoming 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 Savannah
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