What is the goal of treating hyperkalemia?

The goal of treating hyperkalemia is to lower potassium levels to the normal range. Hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood, can lead to serious complications, particularly affecting the heart, as high potassium levels can lead to arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest.

When addressing hyperkalemia, healthcare providers aim to reduce the excess potassium to prevent these dangerous outcomes. Treatments may involve the use of diuretics, dialysis, or medications that drive potassium back into cells, such as insulin combined with glucose.

While monitoring potassium levels is important throughout the treatment process to assess progress and effectiveness, the primary focus remains on bringing those levels down to a safe range. Administering potassium supplements would actually worsen hyperkalemia, and actively raising potassium levels would be contrary to the purpose of treatment.