What is the most common cause of hyperkalemia?

As a medical professional with expertise in internal medicine, I can provide you with an informed response to your question regarding the most common cause of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia, which is characterized by elevated levels of potassium in the blood, can result from various factors. The most common causes include: 1. Decreased renal excretion: This is often the primary cause, especially in patients with impaired kidney function. The kidneys play a critical role in regulating potassium levels, and when their function is compromised, excess potassium can accumulate in the blood. 2. Increased intake: Consuming a diet high in potassium or taking potassium supplements can lead to hyperkalemia, particularly in individuals with reduced kidney function. 3. Release from cells: Conditions that cause the breakdown of cells, such as hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue), or tumor lysis syndrome, can release potassium from cells into the bloodstream. 4. Drugs: Certain medications, including some potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and heparin, can interfere with potassium excretion or cause a shift of potassium from cells to the extracellular fluid, leading to hyperkalemia. 5. Endocrine disorders: Conditions such as adrenal insufficiency or hypoaldosteronism can impair the body's ability to excrete potassium, resulting in hyperkalemia. 6. Acute acidosis: Acidosis can cause a shift of potassium from the intracellular to the extracellular space, which can temporarily increase serum potassium levels. It's important to note that while these are common causes, the specific cause of hyperkalemia in an individual patient may vary and should be determined through a thorough medical evaluation.

This falsely raises the amount of potassium in the blood sample, even though the potassium level in your body is actually normal. When this is suspected, a repeat blood sample is done. The most common cause of genuinely high potassium (hyperkalemia) is related to your kidneys, such as: Acute kidney failure.