Hyperkalaemia is an increase in the level of potassium in the blood. There is no agreed definition of hyperkalaemia, but serum concentrations greater than 5.5 mmol/l is usually quoted
Co-existing metabolic disturbances may ameliorate (e.g. hypernatraemia, hypercalcaemia, and alkalaemia) or exacerbate (e.g. hyponatraemia, hypocalcaemia or acidosis) the effects of hyperkalaemia (2).
Repetitive consecutive measures of serum potassium are needed to determine if hyperkalaemia is sustained or a transient event (2).
The condition is seen in 1-10% of hospitalised patients (1)
Hyperkalaemia may be fatal as a result of arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
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