Final answer:
Hyperkalemia can cause various cardiovascular issues such as arrhythmias, palpitations, and in extreme cases, cardiac arrest. It disrupts the normal heart rhythm by affecting the depolarization and repolarization of the heart muscles. Metabolic acidosis associated with hyperkalemia can further increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cardiovascular signs and symptoms (s/s) of hyperkalemia include various cardiac arrhythmias that can range from mild to severe in nature. Hyperkalemia causes a disruption in the electrical conductivity of the heart, leading to conditions such as bradycardia (slow heart rate), palpitations, and, in severe cases, ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrest. Hyperkalemia affects the heart's ability to function properly by altering the normal depolarization and repolarization process, leading to a risk of heart becoming weak, flaccid, and ultimately failing. Other related symptoms can include malaise, which refers to a general feeling of discomfort or unease, often the first sign of an infection or other health issue.
Partial depolarization of the cardiac cells due to high levels of potassium in the extracellular fluid (ECF) can cause the heart muscles to lose their ability to relax after a contraction, potentially leading to fatal outcomes if not managed promptly. Furthermore, metabolic acidosis, which is often associated with hyperkalemia, can contribute to the increased excitability of cardiac membranes, exacerbating the risk of cardiovascular complications.