- Definition (as from ALS 2 Manual): >5.5 mmol/L
- Severe hyperkalaemia: >6.5 mmol/L
Causes
- Renal failure
- Drugs (ACE-i, ARB, potassium sparing diuretics, NSAIDs, ß-blockers, trimethoprim)
- Tissue breakdown (e.g. rhabdomyolysis, tumour lysis, haemolysis, burns)
- Metabolic acidosis (e.g. renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis)
- Endocrine disorders (e.g Addison disease)
- Pseudo-hyperkalaemia secondary to prolonged transit time or poor storage conditions
ECG Changes