Potassium plays many parts in the working of the human body. It works to regulate muscle tissue, to the balance of the body's electrical and chemical processes, and plays a part in the digestive system and metabolism. High potassium levels in the body can cause an irregular heartbeat, nausea, or a weak or slow pulse. In severe cases, it can even cause the heart to stop.

High potassium levels, or hyperkalemia, has two causes. It can be caused by the body getting too much potassium, in food or medication, or the body releasing too much potassium into the blood stream. There are often no symptoms of high potassium levels, especially in milder cases.

It is part of the job of the kidneys to remove unnecessary potassium. If they're not doing their job, doctors may test for proper kidney function. Common tests include an ECG and a serum potassium test.

There are several reasons why blood cells may give up their potassium. When there is tissue trauma, such as burning, gastrointestinal bleeding, surgery, traumatic injury, or rhabdomyolysis, cells will release potassium into the blood steam. In most cases, tissue trauma isn't sufficient to cause high potassium levels on its own. Usually there is poor kidney function, a shortage of the hormone aldosterone, or increased potassium intake in addition to tissue trauma. Some medications, salt replacements, and low sodium foods are especially high in potassium and should be monitored if there is a risk for high potassium levels in a patient's blood stream.

One of the most dangerous symptoms of high potassium levels may be cardiac arrest or no heartbeat. This can occur at any time, including while treatment is being administered. It is for this reason that doctors insist on close monitoring and hospitalization while they're treating high potassium levels.

Emergency or acute treatment for protection from high potassium levels can include cation-exchange resin medications, like sodium polystyrene sulfonate, also known as kayexalate; dialysis; water pills or diuretic medications; intravenous calcium or glucose and insulin; and baking soda or sodium bicarbonate. Long-term treatment includes reducing potassium intake and avoiding sodium replacements completely. In patients with chronic renal failure, loop diuretics may be needed.

The prognosis for treatment of high potassium is variable. There are some patients who do well with treatment, while for others this condition can be fatal. It is best to prevent high potassium; any patient with a condition that may lead to high levels should monitor his or her serum levels closely.