Hyperkalemia can produce different symptoms in any given case or patient. The severity of the elevated potassium levels can also lead to different issues. In many cases, no symptoms are apparent in an individual with hyperkalemia. With that said, today we consider some of those symptoms that may potentially occur in the patient. Brief details are listed for the following items:

Heart palpitations

These are a patient's awareness of his own heart beat, in a situation where it is abnormal - for one example, if it feels as though it is racing. This is not a simple awareness of the beating of one's heart infrequently, or being aware of a normal beating of it merely by concentrating on that beat. Along with hyperkalemia, it can also be caused by a variety of other conditions and stimulants, such as caffeine, certain medications, hyperthyroidism, overexertion, and many others. It can also become present in panic disorder.

Cardiac arrhythmia

Also related to the heart beat, in cardiac arrhythmia, the electrical activity taking place in the heart is not normal, and heart beats may be off in the sense of too fast or slow, while they may also be irregular, but not necessarily. This can be a life-threatening situation brought on by severe hyperkalemia. An occasional beat that is skipped, or may be strong, is generally minor and not usually considered an emergency (although in a condition like hyperkalemia it may warrant more attention).

Muscle weakness

This is a lack of strength relative to the level of physical fitness in the patient. In other words, if by his fitness, it is determined that he ought to have more ability to exert force through the muscles than he does, then the condition is considered muscle weakness. It is not the same as a simply perceived weakness in which one feels that he must use more energy to get the same results, as this can actually be diagnosed, in many cases.

Nausea

Discomfort and an uneasy feeling in the area of the upper stomach along with the head is known as nausea. It can also be accompanied by the feeling of an urge or need to vomit. Nausea can also be brought on by numerous conditions other than hyperkalemia, as can all of the symptoms mentioned on this page. Certain medications, motion sickness, chemotherapy, general anesthesia, pregnancy, anxiety, and many other situations can lead to this sensation.