Potassium High (Hyperkalemia): Urgent Flags, Common Causes, and What To Do Next

Hyperkalemia can affect the heart. Searches: "potassium 6.1", "foods to avoid with high potassium", "ACE inhibitor potassium high". First step is to confirm if it is true or a lab artifact (hemolysis).

Common causes

• Kidney dysfunction (reduced excretion).
• Medications: ACEi/ARB, spironolactone/eplerenone, trimethoprim, NSAIDs, supplements.
• Tissue breakdown, severe acidosis, insulin deficiency.
• Pseudohyperkalemia from hemolyzed sample or difficult phlebotomy.

Urgent flags

• Potassium ≥ 6.0 mmol/L, ECG changes, severe weakness, chest pain — emergency assessment.

Educational next steps

1. Repeat test to exclude hemolysis; check kidney function and medications.
2. Dietary potassium guidance is individualized; avoid sudden drastic restrictions without professional advice.

Educational use only. Not a prescription.