High blood potassium can be a medical emergency, according to Dr. Evan Levine. Here’s what you should know about the “silent killer” in your kitchen.
While most health advice encourages us to eat more minerals, one cardiologist is issuing a stark warning: For some people, too much of a good thing can be fatal. In a February 14 Instagram post, Dr. Evan Levine, a US-based cardiologist with more than 30 years of experience, identified hyperkalemia (excess potassium) as one of the top topics he discusses with his patients. Read also | Warning signs and symptoms of dangerously low potassium levels
According to Dr. Levine, when potassium levels rise, not only does it cause discomfort, it can literally “shut down” the heart’s electrical system. His post was titled “Potassium: Having too much potassium in your blood could kill you,” and he wrote in his comment: “Very high potassium can stop the heart. Who is at risk?”
The ‘perfect storm’ for cardiac arrest
Potassium is essential for muscle function, but the body depends on a delicate balance. Dr. Levine warned that three specific factors often combine to form a life-threatening buildup:
⦿ Kidney disease: As kidney function declines, the body loses its primary filter for excess potassium.
⦿ Common medications: Life-saving medications to treat blood pressure and heart failure — specifically angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and spironolactone — direct the body to conserve potassium.
⦿ Age factor: In elderly patients, the combination of aging kidneys and these drugs can lead to a “perfect storm” of toxicity.
“A patient can feel weak and dizzy, only to find that their potassium is 6 or higher,” Dr. Levine said. “At these levels, the heart rate slows dramatically, which can lead to sudden collapse or death.”
Hidden dangers: beyond bananas
Most people associate potassium with bananas, but Dr. Levine noted that the real “culprits” are often hidden in healthy diets or “low-sodium” alternatives. The doctor specifically noted that salt substitutes may be fatal to those with kidney problems, because they replace sodium with high concentrations of potassium chloride.
Sharing a list of high-risk foods to watch for, he said: “If you’re at risk, you need to be on the lookout. You should have a chart, and I’ll put it at the end. And if you’re not sure, please do your research on high-potassium foods: beets and avocados. These have a lot more potassium than bananas, and spinach and sweet potatoes are among the highest. And salt substitutes: Many of those low-sodium salts replace sodium with potassium chloride, which can be fatal for someone with problems.” In the kidneys.”
Proactive steps for heart health
Dr. Levine’s message was clear: hyperkalemia is not just a “lab value” to be ignored. If you have heart failure, take blood pressure medication, or have kidney failure, you need to be your own advocate. “It’s not just a lab value. It’s a vital safety check,” Dr. Levine said.
His advice to at-risk patients:
⦿ Ask for a discussion: Ask your doctor specifically about your potassium levels.
⦿ Review your diet: Look for foods that are high in potassium and keep a chart of what to avoid.
⦿ Monitor symptoms: Do not ignore unexplained weakness, dizziness, or slow heart rate.
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified these claims and does not endorse them.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Sania is a seasoned lifestyle journalist with a passion for all things beautiful and meaningful. With a career spanning more than a decade, she’s covered pop culture, fashion, health, wellness, fitness, art, decor, sex, parenting, mental health, and travel since 2012. When she’s not chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, you can find her immersed in nature. Described as a beauty enthusiast, she is always on the lookout for the next big trend, whether it’s in fitness, fashion, design or health, using her platform to spark conversations. In her free time, she’s probably sipping matcha, doing yoga, trying new cafes, or getting lost in the beauty and tranquility of nature.Read more
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