Hyperkalemia ICD-10-CM Codes

Yes, hyperkalemia can be life-threatening if not promptly managed. Severe cases can disrupt electrolyte and fluid balance, leading to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias or sudden cardiac arrest. This is especially critical in patients with acute renal failure, chronic kidney disease, or those taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, which impair potassium excretion.

Hyperkalemia often has no symptoms in its early stages. However, when present, symptoms may include muscle weakness, numbness, fatigue, palpitations, and bradycardia. These symptoms arise from the impact of high potassium levels on nerve and muscle function, particularly in the heart.

Hyperkalemia is most commonly caused by impaired potassium excretion due to acute or chronic kidney disease. Other contributors include medications such as ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics, and angiotensin receptor blockers. It can also occur in metabolic disorders, including familial periodic paralysis, which affects cellular potassium shifts.