Final answer:
Hyperkalemia is a condition characterized by abnormally high potassium levels in the blood, leading to severe consequences for the heart, muscles, and nervous system, and requires immediate medical attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Hyperkalemia? :
Hyperkalemia is a medical condition characterized by elevated potassium blood levels, which can negatively impact the function of skeletal muscles, the nervous system, and the heart. This disorder can be the result of various conditions, such as renal failure, severe dehydration, and Addison's disease, due to decreased excretion of potassium by the kidneys. Excessive dietary intake of potassium can also cause hyperkalemia. Potassium in high concentrations in the extracellular fluid (ECF) can cause a partial depolarization of the plasma membranes, affecting muscle fibers, neurons, and cardiac cells.
It is important to clarify that hyperkalemia is related to high potassium levels, while hypercalcemia involves high calcium levels, hypercapnia high CO2 levels, and hyperchloremia elevated chloride levels. Unlike hypokalemia, which is characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, hyperkalemia can have severe and even fatal consequences if not promptly treated.