Hyperkalemia Center - Syracuse, NYSyracuse 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 Syracuse * University Health Care Center  University Health Care Center  University Nephrologists  University Health Care Center  St Joseph's Hospital Internists  Syracusse Internists Associates  Richard L Hehir MD  St Joseph's Hospital Internists  St Joseph's Hospital Internists  David Nash MD  St Joseph's Hospital Internists  Syracusse Internists Associates  James A Traver MD  University Internists  University Internists  University Internists  University Internists  University Internists  University Internists  University Internists  Critical Care Associates of Syracuse  Critical Care Associates of Syracuse  Critical Care Associates of Syracuse  Arthritis Health Associates  Syracuse Community Health Center  Arthritis Health Associates  Industrial Medical Associates  Internist Associates of Central New York  Infectious Disease Associates Of Syracuse  Internist Associates of Central New York  Internist Associates of Central New York  Internist Associates of Central New York  Internist Associates of Central New York  Drs Kohn Dube & Bacsik  Internist Associates of Central New York  Internist Associates of Central New York  Internist Associates of Central New York  Drs Kohn Dube & Bacsik  Internist Associates of Central New York  Internist Associates of Central New York  Internist Associates of Central New York  Internist Associates of Central New York  Syracuse University Health Services  Noonan & Tripodi MDs  Noonan & Tripodi MDs  Cohen Kleinhaus Wolf & Rajan MDs  Cohen Kleinhaus Wolf & Rajan MDs  Cohen Kleinhaus Wolf & Rajan MDs  Jef Sneider MD  Syracuse Community Health Center East  John E Pipas MD  FamilyCare Medical Group PC  CGH Internal Medicine  Theodore G Dalakos MD PC  Onondaga Hill Internists  Onondaga Hill Internists  Robert R Michiel MD  Onondaga Hill Internists  CGH Internal Medicine  FamilyCare Medical Group PC  Nephrology Hypertension Associates of Central New York PC  Nephrology Hypertension Associates of Central New York PC  Joslin Diabetes Center Endocrinology  Mary C Daye MD  North Medical Family Physicians  North Medical Family Physicians  North Medical Family Physicians  Patsy M Iannolo MD PhD PC  University Hill Gastroenterology Associates  SJH Cardiology Associates PC  SJH Cardiology Associates PC  SJH Cardiology Associates PC  SJH Cardiology Associates PC  Suzanne M Lamanna DO  Clay Internal Medicine  Family Medicine Associates  Preventive Medicine Associates PLLC  Eastside Internal Medicine  Eastside Internal Medicine  Preventive Medicine Associates PLLC  John M Callahan MD  Chittenango Medical & Wellness Associates PC  Internists Associates of Central New York  Internists Associates of Central New York  Internists Associates of Central New York  Phoenix Primary Care Center  David J Martin MD  Zaeem Ansari MD  Hasan Zakariyya MD  Yves J LaFond MD  Angelo Porcari MD  Northway Medical Associates  Auburn Cardiology & Pulmonary Associates  Auburn Cardiology & Pulmonary Associates  Auburn Memorial Hospital Hospitalists  Internal Medicine Associates of Auburn  Auburn Memorial Hospital Hospitalists  Auburn Memorial Hospital Hospitalists  Internal Medicine Associates of Auburn  Internal Medicine Associates of Auburn Syracuse, New YorkUpcoming 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 Syracuse
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