Hyperkalaemia

Hyperkalaemia is a disorder of potassium homeostasis characterised by high levels of potassium (>4.5 mmol/L). It's a relatively common electrolyte abnormality, and more common than hypokalaemia.

Grading of severity

Potassium level	Severity
5.1 - 5.9	Mild
6.0 - 6.9	Moderate
> 7.0	Severe

Etiology

Increased potassium release from cells	Decreased renal potassium excretion
Acidosis	Chronic kidney disease
Massive cell death (rhabdomyolysis, haemolysis, tumor lysis syndrome, burn injury)	Acute kidney injury
	Potassium-sparing diuretics
	ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II blocker
	Addison disease

The most common cause