What causes high potassium level in blood stream?
Kidney Impairment The most common cause of a high potassium level is an impaired kidney. The kidneys are responsible for excreting potassium. When the kidney is not functioning normally, it will not be able to excrete the potassium. Various disorders such as transplant rejection, lupus nephritis, and chronic renal failure can impair the kidneys and cause a high potassium level. Adrenal Dysfunction Another cause of a high potassium level is adrenal dysfunction. The adrenal glands are adjacent to the kidneys and responsible for secreting a hormone called aldosterone. Aldosterone causes the kidneys to excrete potassium in your urine, so any dysfunction of the adrenal gland will lead to a high potassium level. The most common disorder that causes adrenal dysfunction is Addison’s disease. Diabetes If you have type 1 diabetes, you are also susceptible to a high potassium level. People with diabetes often have reduced kidney capacity. This coupled with a lack of insulin will cause fluid and p
