Hyperkalemia: Causes, Risks, and What You Need to Know

When your blood has too much hyperkalemia, a condition where potassium levels rise above normal, putting your heart at risk. It's not just a lab number—it's a silent threat that can trigger irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness, or even cardiac arrest if ignored. Many people don’t feel symptoms until it’s serious, which is why it often shows up during routine blood tests or after starting a new medication.

kidney disease, a major cause of high potassium because kidneys can't filter it out is the top reason hyperkalemia happens. But it’s not just kidney problems. Some blood pressure meds like ACE inhibitors and ARBs—think valsartan—can raise potassium levels, especially in older adults or those with diabetes. Even certain diuretics, if stopped suddenly, can flip your potassium balance. And let’s not forget supplements: potassium salts, salt substitutes, or herbal products like St. John’s Wort, an herbal antidepressant that can interfere with kidney and electrolyte function when mixed with other drugs.

Hyperkalemia doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s tied to other conditions you might already be managing. For example, people with inflammatory bowel disease, like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, often take steroids like budesonide, a corticosteroid that can alter how your body handles electrolytes. Or if you’re on SSRIs, antidepressants that sometimes cause hyponatremia but can also indirectly affect potassium, your body’s electrolyte balance is already under stress. And if you’re using mometasone, a steroid nasal spray that can enter your bloodstream and alter hormone-driven potassium regulation, even that tiny dose might add up over time.

What’s scary is how easily hyperkalemia slips under the radar. You might feel fine, but your heart rhythm is quietly changing. That’s why doctors check potassium levels regularly if you’re on certain meds or have chronic illness. It’s not about avoiding potassium-rich foods like bananas or spinach—it’s about understanding how your body processes it. If your kidneys are slow, or your meds are interfering, even normal intake can become dangerous.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides from people who’ve been there—whether it’s spotting the warning signs, managing drug interactions, or learning what to ask your doctor before starting a new treatment. These aren’t theoretical articles. They’re practical, tested insights from patients and clinicians who’ve seen hyperkalemia in action—and how to stop it before it’s too late.