Hyperkalemia: Causes, Risks, and How Medications Can Trigger It
When your blood holds too much potassium, a mineral critical for nerve and muscle function, including your heartbeat. Also known as high potassium, it doesn’t always cause symptoms—but when it does, it can stop your heart. This isn’t just a lab number you can ignore. Even small spikes in potassium levels can be life-threatening, especially if you have kidney disease, a condition where your kidneys can’t filter excess minerals out of your blood or take certain medications.
Many common drugs quietly raise potassium. ACE inhibitors like lisinopril, used for high blood pressure, are a big one. So are ARBs, potassium-sparing diuretics, and even some NSAIDs. If you’re on any of these, especially with reduced kidney function, your body might not be able to flush out the extra potassium fast enough. It builds up. Slowly. Silent. Then suddenly, your heart starts acting weird. That’s hyperkalemia. It’s not about eating too many bananas—it’s about your body’s ability to handle what’s already there. People with diabetes, heart failure, or those on dialysis are at higher risk, but even healthy people can slip into trouble if they’re on the wrong combo of meds.
It’s not just about what you take—it’s about what you don’t know you’re taking. Some supplements, salt substitutes, and herbal remedies pack serious potassium. You might not think a daily potassium pill or a "low-sodium" seasoning is dangerous, but if your kidneys are slowing down, it adds up. That’s why checking your potassium levels isn’t just routine—it’s essential if you’re managing chronic conditions. And if you’ve ever been told to avoid certain foods, that’s often because of hyperkalemia risk, not just general advice.
What you’ll find below are real stories and clear explanations about how medications, health conditions, and even diet choices connect to this quiet but dangerous spike in potassium. From how lisinopril can push levels up to why skipping a diuretic might be riskier than you think—these posts cut through the noise. No fluff. Just what you need to know to stay safe.
