Hyperkalaemia is a potentially life threatening electrolyte disturbance and should be confirmed, investigated, and managed as soon as possible
Defined as a serum potassium of greater than whatever upper limit of normal has been selected. Generally speaking, at concentrations >5.5mEq/L one can confidently call it what it is.
Causes of hyperkalaemia
There are many. Here are some.
- Haemolysis
- Transfusion (primarily pRBC)
- Tumor lysis syndrome
- Renal failure
- Acidosis
- Medications (spironolactone, ACE inhibitors)