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What Is the Difference between Hypokalemia and Hyperkalemia?

Christina Whyte
Christina Whyte

Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia both refer to imbalances of potassium in the bloodstream. A lower than normal amount of potassium is called hypokalemia, and a higher than normal amount is called hyperkalemia. Both conditions can be classified as mild or severe, depending on the degree of deviation from normal levels. The causes of these two conditions and the treatments for them differ, although the goal in treating both conditions is to normalize potassium levels.

A certain level of potassium in the body is necessary for healthy cell function, particularly muscle and nerve cells and heart function. This nutrient is obtained through food, and is mostly stored in the cells of the body with a small percentage carried in the blood. The kidneys remove excess potassium which is then excreted in urine. Disruptions in this system can lead to hypokalemia and hyperkalemia.

Low potassium levels may occur as a result of an eating disorder.
Low potassium levels may occur as a result of an eating disorder.

Kidney problems can cause both hypokalemia and hyperkalemia, but otherwise the causes of the two conditions differ. High potassium is usually caused by kidney disorders that reduce the ability of the kidneys to remove excess potassium. Cell damage caused by injury, surgery, or disease can cause many cells to release their potassium into the bloodstream at once, resulting in hyperkalemia. Heavy consumption of salt substitutes may also lead to high potassium.

People with hypokalemia may experience weakness and fatigue.
People with hypokalemia may experience weakness and fatigue.

Low potassium levels are most commonly caused by not consuming or absorbing enough nutrients. Eating disorders, malnutrition, illnesses, or taking certain medications can interfere with potassium consumption or absorption. Taking laxatives can also contribute to the problem. Kidney diseases that lead to too much potassium being excreted can also cause hypokalemia.

People with hypokalemia may experience muscle cramps.
People with hypokalemia may experience muscle cramps.

Severe or even life threatening consequences can arise from serious cases of both hypokalemia and hyperkalemia, including heart attacks. Many people with hypokalemia do not have any symptoms or only vague symptoms, but some people experience weakness, tiredness, fainting, muscle cramping, stomach cramps, constipation, or a change in the rhythm of the heart. Hyperkalemia is similar in that most people have few symptoms or have only vague symptoms like tiredness, but some people do get nauseous, have an irregular or slow heartbeat, or a weak pulse.

Taking laxatives often can cause a magnesium deficiency, which may contribute to the development of hypokalemia.
Taking laxatives often can cause a magnesium deficiency, which may contribute to the development of hypokalemia.

The treatment of hypokalemia is straightforward and entails giving the person potassium by mouth or intravenously, although any underlying conditions need to be treated or the person's potassium levels will drop again. Hyperkalemia is generally treated by reducing potassium consumption, but emergency treatment of severe hyperkalemia is more complex. The patient will be given medications to reduce potassium levels, as well as medications that combat the effects of too much potassium on the body, including intravenous calcium, insulin, and glucose.

Discussion Comments

anon304470

@anon251710: I think hypokalemia, although we see more of hyperkalemia and its symptoms.

anon251710

which is more dangerous, Hyperkalemia or Hypokalemia?

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    • Low potassium levels may occur as a result of an eating disorder.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Low potassium levels may occur as a result of an eating disorder.
    • People with hypokalemia may experience weakness and fatigue.
      By: Jenner
      People with hypokalemia may experience weakness and fatigue.
    • People with hypokalemia may experience muscle cramps.
      By: Jane Doe
      People with hypokalemia may experience muscle cramps.
    • Taking laxatives often can cause a magnesium deficiency, which may contribute to the development of hypokalemia.
      By: Lorenzo Buttitta
      Taking laxatives often can cause a magnesium deficiency, which may contribute to the development of hypokalemia.
    • Both hypokalemia and hyperkalemia may require dialysis treatments in advanced cases.
      By: picsfive
      Both hypokalemia and hyperkalemia may require dialysis treatments in advanced cases.
    • Some people with hypokalemia experience stomach cramps and constipation.
      By: overcrew
      Some people with hypokalemia experience stomach cramps and constipation.
    • Kidney problems can cause both hypokalemia and hyperkalemia.
      By: 3drenderings
      Kidney problems can cause both hypokalemia and hyperkalemia.