What does too much potassium do to a person?

As a healthcare professional with expertise in biochemistry and physiology, I can explain the effects of too much potassium on the human body. Potassium is a crucial electrolyte that helps regulate various bodily functions, including the balance of fluids, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions. However, when there is an excess of potassium in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia, it can lead to several serious health issues. Firstly, hyperkalemia can affect the heart, leading to an abnormal heart rhythm known as arrhythmia. This can be life-threatening because it impairs the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. In severe cases, it can result in cardiac arrest. Secondly, it can impact muscle function, causing muscle weakness or even paralysis. This is because potassium plays a key role in muscle contraction, and an imbalance can disrupt this process. Thirdly, nervous system function can also be compromised. Since potassium is involved in nerve signal transmission, an excess can lead to symptoms like numbness or tingling sensations. Lastly, hyperkalemia can cause electrolyte imbalances, which can affect the overall functioning of the body's organs and systems. It's important to note that the severity of symptoms and the rate at which they develop depend on the level of potassium in the blood and the individual's overall health.

Excess potassium in your blood can occur when you overdose on potassium supplements or when your kidneys fail to excrete waste from your body properly. Hyperkalemia, or a high potassium level, is a dangerous condition that affects several organs in the body.