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A member asked:
Could having high potassium cause heart attacks?
6 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Yes: Severe hyperkalemia can lead to cardiac arrest, but not myocardial infarction (blockage of the heart arteries). It is highly lethal when it is very elevated and causes characteristic changes on EKG. It may be caused by undiagnosed kidney failure. It can be readily treated in an ER.
Answered 9/26/2016
4k views
Yes: High potassium, (hyperkalemia) causes the heart to slow dangerously and will eventually cause ventricular dysrhythmia. The heart just stops. This is not the classic "heart attack" caused by atherosclerosis, but the problem is just as serious if not worse.
Answered 12/31/2019
5.7k views
Rhythm problems: High potassium ccan cause abnormalities in heart rhythm which can be fatal. These rhythms can result in cardiac arrest.
Answered 5/6/2015
5.1k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
At what level in mmol/l does low potassium have the potential to cause dangerous heart arythmias? Less than 2.5? Etc
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
How do I decrease my potassium levels. Renal and heart patient, am following a low potassium diet from dietician but potassium levels are stilll high?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Can you tell me if low potassium causes anxiety or heart problems?
8 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Do any health care professionals know if slightly low potassium can cause heart symptoms?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
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